Language/Hindi/Grammar/Imperative-Mood

Imperative Mood in Hindi

Whereas there is only one imperative in English, there are five different imperatives in Hindi. The five forms convey different levels of politeness. Sunnā is simply the infinitive of the verb “to listen” and it can also be used as a somewhat crude imperative. Similarly, sun —the root of the infinitive—carries a rough undertone. Both can be used among good friends or close relatives. Suno is slightly more polite and can be used among acquaintances or in casual everyday speech; but don’t use it in front of persons of authority or high standing. Suni(y)e is the polite word of choice; one could translate it as “please listen”. Suni(y)egā is extra-polite (“Would you kindly listen?”) and rarely heard in everyday encounters.