Reported Speech in Hindi

Overview

Reported Speech (कथित कथन (परोक्ष कथन विस्तार)) is an important topic in Hindi grammar at the intermediate level. Advanced reported speech: question reporting (पूछा कि), command reporting (कहा कि...ओ/इए), tense considerations, and direct-to-indirect shifts.

At the B2 level, reported speech represents a deeper understanding of how Hindi works. This concept allows you to handle complex communication situations and appreciate the subtleties of the language.

This concept builds on your knowledge of Indirect Speech. Once you are comfortable with reported speech, you will find it easier to understand many other aspects of Hindi grammar.

How It Works

Key Rules

• Advanced reported speech: question reporting (पूछा कि), command reporting (कहा कि...ओ/इए), tense considerations, and direct-to-indirect shifts.

Forms and Patterns

Hindi	English/Explanation
उसने पूछा कि तुम कब आओगे।	He asked when you would come.
माँ ने कहा कि खाना खा लो।	Mom said to eat food.
उसने बताया कि वह बीमार है।	She said she is sick.

Examples in Context

Hindi	English	Note
उसने पूछा कि तुम कब आओगे।	He asked when you would come.	Reported question
माँ ने कहा कि खाना खा लो।	Mom said to eat food.	Reported command
उसने बताया कि वह बीमार है।	She said she is sick.	Reported statement
टीचर ने कहा कि बैठ जाओ।	The teacher said to sit down.	Reported instruction
उसने पूछा कि क्या मैं जाऊँगा।	He asked if I would go.	Yes/no reported question
मैंने कहा कि मुझे नहीं पता।	I said I don't know.	Self-reported speech
उन्होंने बताया कि मीटिंग कल है।	They told that the meeting is tomorrow.	Reported information
उसने माँगा कि मैं उसकी मदद करूँ।	He requested that I help him.	Reported request
ख़बर है कि नेता आ रहे हैं।	There is news that the leader is coming.	Media reported speech
कहते हैं कि यह पुराना शहर है।	They say this is an old city.	Impersonal reported speech

Common Mistakes

Applying English patterns to Reported Speech

• Wrong: Using English word order or structure
• Right: Follow Hindi-specific rules for reported speech
• 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 B2 level, your use of reported speech should show flexibility across registers. Formal writing, casual conversation, and literary texts all handle this concept differently.

Pay attention to regional and social variations in how reported speech is used. Hindi varies significantly across India, and awareness of these differences marks an advanced speaker.

Practice producing reported speech spontaneously in conversation, not just recognizing it in text. Active use at this level builds genuine fluency.

Practice Tips

1. Watch Hindi films or TV shows and note how native speakers use reported speech in different situations. Pause and repeat phrases to build muscle memory.
2. Write short paragraphs or diary entries using reported speech 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 reported speech naturally in conversation.

Related Concepts

• Indirect Speech -- prerequisite concept