Language/Urdu/Grammar/Question-Words
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As a beginner learning the Urdu language, it's important to understand how to ask questions. Knowing the question words in Urdu and how to use them properly will allow you to retrieve information, clarify your understanding, and confirm details in conversations.
In this lesson, we will focus on Urdu question words and how to form questions using them. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently ask questions in Urdu and continue building your language skills.
Consider broadening your understanding by checking out these related lessons: Interrogation & Introduction to Urdu Alphabets.
Urdu Question Words
Urdu question words, also known as interrogative words, are used to ask questions. In English, we use question words such as "what," "when," "where," "who," "why," and "how." Similarly, Urdu has its own set of question words. Here are some common Urdu question words:
- کب - kub - when
- کیا - kya - what
- کیوں - kyun - why
- کی - ki - who (female)
- کون - kaun - who (male)
- کہاں - kahan - where
- کیسے - kese - how
It's important to note that question words in Urdu have different forms for male and female subjects. "Ki" is used for females, and "kaun" is used for males.
Forming Questions in Urdu
To ask a question in Urdu, the most common way is to add the question word at the beginning of the sentence. For example:
- کیا آپ کتاب پڑھتے ہیں؟ - Kya aap kitab parhtay hain? - Do you read books?
- کب آپ کتاب پڑھتے ہیں؟ - Kub aap kitab parhtay hain? - When do you read books?
- کی آپ کو موسم بہتر لگتا ہے یا برف پائی؟ - Ki aap ko mausam behtar lagta hai ya baraf pai? - Do you prefer good weather or snow?
Note that the verb in Urdu comes at the end of the sentence. Therefore, when forming questions, the verb will come after the subject and the question word.
Using "کیا" to Create Yes/No Questions
In Urdu, the word "کیا" (kya) can also be used to create yes/no questions. Yes/no questions are questions that require a "yes" or "no" answer. Here are some examples:
- کیا آپ کتاب پڑھتے ہیں؟ - Kya aap kitab parhtay hain? - Do you read books?
- کیا آپ پاکستان سے ہیں؟ - Kya aap Pakistan say hain? - Are you from Pakistan?
In both these examples, notice that the question is formed by adding "کیا" to the beginning of the sentence. The answer to a yes/no question can either be "ہاں" (haan) for "yes" or "نہیں" (nahin) for "no."
Examples
Let's look at some more examples of how to use Urdu question words to form questions:
| Urdu | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| کیا آپ کتاب پڑھتے ہیں؟ | Kya aap kitab parhtay hain? | Do you read books? |
| کیا آپ کو کھانا پسند ہے؟ | Kya aap ko khana pasand hai? | Do you like food? |
| کب آپ کھانا کھاتے ہیں؟ | Kub aap khana khatay hain? | When do you eat food? |
| کہاں جا رہے ہیں آپ؟ | Kahan jaa rahay hain aap? | Where are you going? |
| کیا آپ نے وہ کتاب پڑھی ہے؟ | Kya aap nay woh kitab parhi hai? | Have you read that book? |
Practice
To practice forming questions in Urdu, try creating questions using the following question words:
- کب - kub - when
- کیا - kya - what
- کیوں - kyun - why
- کی - ki - who (female)
- کون - kaun - who (male)
- کہاں - kahan - where
- کیسے - kese - how
Try to create a question for each question word above. Then, practice asking and answering these questions with a friend or language exchange partner.
Tips and Tricks
Learning how to form questions is an important aspect of language learning. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master Urdu question words:
- Memorize the question words: Make flashcards or use a language learning app to practice memorizing the Urdu question words.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice forming questions, the more comfortable you will become. Practice with a friend or language exchange partner to get more speaking practice.
- Listen to questions in Urdu: Watch Urdu-language videos or engage in conversations with native Urdu speakers to listen to how questions are formed in context.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes: Making mistakes is a natural part of language learning. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification or to make mistakes when practicing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how to form questions in Urdu is an important step towards becoming proficient in the language. By using the Urdu question words introduced in this lesson, you can retrieve information, clarify your understanding, and confirm details in conversations. Remember to practice forming questions using different question words, and don't be afraid to ask for help or to make mistakes. With practice and persistence, you'll be able to confidently ask questions in Urdu and continue building your language skills.
With this lesson finished, you may want to explore these additional pages: Questions & How to Use Have.
Videos
Wh Question Words with Urdu Meanings | Wh Family Words in ...
ALL WH Question Words with Urdu Meanings And Sentences | AQ ...
Other Lessons
- Plurals and Gender
- Questions
- Negation
- Joining Sounds to Form Words
- Nouns and Pronouns
- Negation and Question Making
- Adjectives and Adverbs
- Interrogation
- How to Use Have
Sources
- Urdu Question Words With 20+ Useful Examples - Ling App
- Common Questions in Urdu & How to Answer Them
- Wh Question Words with Urdu Translation | 15 Question Words in ...
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