लेकिन — meaning in English: But

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लेकिन

lekin

अनुभव

anubhav

खुशबू

khushboo

शनिवार

Shanivaar

पसंद

pasand

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use 'लेकिन' in everyday conversations to express contrast or contradiction. For instance, you might hear it in a discussion about plans: 'I wanted to go out, लेकिन it started raining.' It is commonly used in both casual and semi-formal situations, making it versatile for various contexts.

Synonyms & nuances

A synonym for 'लेकिन' is 'परंतु', which carries a slightly more formal tone. You would choose 'लेकिन' over 'परंतु' in casual conversations, while 'परंतु' might be preferred in written or formal contexts.

Culture

'लेकिन' is derived from the Sanskrit 'किन्तु', which means 'but'. This shows the rich linguistic history of Hindi, where many words trace back to ancient languages. It's fascinating that this simple conjunction has persisted through centuries, emphasizing its importance in connecting thoughts in the Hindi language.

FAQ

Q.What does 'लेकिन' mean in English?

'लेकिन' translates to 'but' in English, indicating a contrast or exception in statements.

Q.How do you use 'लेकिन' in a sentence?

You can use 'लेकिन' to connect two contrasting ideas. For example: 'She loves coffee, लेकिन I prefer tea.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'लेकिन'?

A common mistake is placing 'लेकिन' at the beginning of a sentence. It’s typically used within the sentence to connect clauses, like: 'I want to study, लेकिन I am tired.'

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Hindi Vocabulary