Language/Urdu/Grammar/Passive-Voice-and-Causative-Verbs

Urdu → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Complex Grammar Structures → Passive Voice and Causative Verbs

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on passive voice and causative verbs in Urdu! In this lesson, we will explore the intricacies of forming passive voice sentences and using causative verbs in Urdu. These grammar structures are important for expressing actions and events in a different way, adding depth and variety to your language skills. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently construct passive voice sentences and use causative verbs to convey complex meanings.

Passive Voice

The passive voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of a sentence receives the action of the verb. In passive voice sentences, the focus is on the object or the receiver of the action, rather than the doer. Let's take a look at how passive voice sentences are formed in Urdu.

To form a passive voice sentence in Urdu, we need to use the auxiliary verb "جانا" (jana) or "ہونا" (hona) along with the past participle of the main verb. The past participle is formed by adding "ا" (a) to the verb stem. Let's see some examples:

Formation of Passive Voice Sentences

Urdu	Pronunciation	English
میں کتاب پڑھ رہا ہوں	Main kitaab parh raha hoon	I am reading a book
کتاب مجھ سے پڑھائی جا رہی ہے	Kitaab mujh se parhai jaa rahi hai	The book is being read by me
وہ کام کیا جا رہا ہے	Woh kaam kya jaa raha hai	What work is being done by him
قصور وہ کسی سے پوچھا جا چکا ہے	Qasoor woh kisi se poocha jaa chuka hai	The blame has been asked from someone

Usage of Passive Voice in Urdu

Passive voice sentences are commonly used in Urdu to shift the focus from the doer to the receiver of the action. They are particularly useful when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or when the focus is on the action itself. Passive voice sentences can also be used to sound more formal or to avoid mentioning the doer. Let's see some examples:

• اس نے مجھے کیتاب دی ہے۔

 (Is ne mujhe kitaab di hai.)
 He gave me a book.
 

• مجھ سے کیتاب لی جائے گی۔

 (Mujh se kitaab li jayegi.)
 The book will be taken from me.

• ان کو کام کرنے سے روکا جا سکتا ہے۔

 (Unko kaam karne se roka ja sakta hai.)
 They can be stopped from working.

Causative Verbs

Causative verbs are verbs that indicate someone or something causing an action to happen. In Urdu, causative verbs are used to express that someone or something is making someone else do something. Let's dive into the details of how to use causative verbs in Urdu.

To form a causative verb in Urdu, we need to use the verb "کرنا" (karna) along with the infinitive form of the main verb. The infinitive form of a verb is the base form without any conjugation. Causative verbs are often used in the present tense, but they can also be used in other tenses depending on the context. Let's see some examples:

Formation of Causative Verbs

Urdu	Pronunciation	English
میں نے کتاب کھریدی ہے	Main ne kitaab khareedi hai	I bought a book
میں نے بچے کو کتاب کھریدنے کے لئے کہا ہے	Main ne bachay ko kitaab khareedne ke liye kaha hai	I told the child to buy a book
میں نے ان سے کتاب خریدنے کو کہا تھا	Main ne un se kitaab khareedne ko kaha tha	I had told them to buy a book
وہ مجھ سے کتاب لینے کو کہتا ہے	Woh mujh se kitaab lene ko kehta hai	He asks me to take the book

Usage of Causative Verbs in Urdu

Causative verbs are commonly used in Urdu to express that someone is causing or making someone else do something. They are useful to describe situations where someone is giving orders, instructions, or suggestions to others. Causative verbs can also be used to express requests or permissions. Let's see some examples:

• میں نے اسے پڑھنے کو کہا تھا۔

 (Main ne use parhne ko kaha tha.)
 I had told him to read it.
 

• میں نے تم کو گانے گوانے کا حق دیا ہے۔

 (Main ne tum ko gaane gaane ka haq diya hai.)
 I have given you the right to sing songs.

• وہ مجھے اسے کھانے کو کہتا ہے۔

 (Woh mujhe use khaane ko kehta hai.)
 He tells me to eat it.

Cultural Insights

In Urdu-speaking cultures, the use of passive voice and causative verbs is deeply ingrained in the language. Passive voice sentences are commonly used to show respect and humility, as they allow the speaker to downplay their role in an action or event. This is particularly important in hierarchical societies where showing humility and respect to elders or superiors is valued.

Causative verbs, on the other hand, reflect the collectivist nature of Urdu-speaking cultures. They emphasize the importance of social relationships and the interconnectedness of individuals within a community. Using causative verbs allows speakers to express their influence on others and highlights the importance of guidance and instruction in everyday interactions.

An interesting fact about the Urdu language is its rich literary tradition, which heavily relies on the use of passive voice and causative verbs. Urdu poetry and prose often employ these grammar structures to convey complex emotions and ideas. This linguistic nuance adds depth and elegance to Urdu literature, making it a treasure trove of artistic expression.

Exercises

Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice! Complete the following exercises to reinforce your understanding of passive voice and causative verbs in Urdu.

Exercise 1: Passive Voice Rewrite the following sentences in passive voice:

1. میں نے اسے پڑھا۔ 2. وہ نے مجھے بلایا۔ 3. تم نے مجھے یہ بتایا۔

Exercise 2: Causative Verbs Form sentences using the causative verbs provided:

1. کرنے دو (karne do) 2. کیا کرو (kya karo) 3. کرے گا (karega)

Solutions

Exercise 1: Passive Voice

1. اسے مجھ سے پڑھا جا رہا ہے۔ 2. مجھ سے بلا جا رہا ہے۔ 3. مجھے یہ بتایا جا رہا ہے۔

Exercise 2: Causative Verbs

1. مجھے کرنے دو۔ 2. تم کیا کرو۔ 3. وہ کرے گا۔

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to form passive voice sentences and use causative verbs in Urdu. These grammar structures will greatly enhance your language skills and allow you to express complex ideas and emotions. Through practice and exposure to authentic Urdu materials, you will become more comfortable and fluent in using passive voice and causative verbs in your everyday conversations. Keep up the good work and happy learning!

Table of Contents - Urdu Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Urdu Script

• Urdu Alphabet
• Connecting Letters

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Basic Vocabulary

• Greetings and Introductions
• Numbers and Counting
• Days of the Week and Months

  ---

Basic Sentence Structure

• Nouns and Pronouns
• Verbs and Tenses
• Adjectives and Adverbs

  ---

Everyday Vocabulary

• Colors and Shapes
• Food and Drinks
• Clothing and Accessories

  ---

Forming Questions and Negations

• Question Words
• Negation

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Directions and Locations

  ---

Urdu Culture and Traditions

• Festivals and Celebrations
• Urdu Literature and Poetry

Sources

• INDICATIONS OF URDU TETRAVALENT VERBS HAVING ...
• Active and Passive Voice Rules in Urdu with Examples | Active and ...

Other Lessons

• Case and Sentence Structure
• How to Use Be
• Complex Sentence Structure
• Verbs and Tenses
• Joining Sounds to Form Words
• Introduction to Urdu Alphabets
• Pronouns
• Plurals and Gender
• Conditional Tenses
• Conditional Mood