लेकिन
lekin/leː.kɪn/
The Hindi word for "but" is लेकिन (lekin).
Meaning: except (conj)
Which one should you use?
While लेकिन is the standard term, you may encounter परंतु, which is a more formal alternative typically found in literature or official speech. For a more colloquial tone often heard in spoken Hindi or songs, you can use मगर. Additionally, पर is a common choice for informal conversations.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /leː.kɪn/ (lekin). It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word पर is so versatile that it can function as 'but', 'on', 'however' and even 'wing' when referring to a bird.
- In spoken Hindi, people often omit लेकिन entirely and instead use a trailing tone or a pause to signal a contrast, which would sound incomplete in English.
- The word लेकिन is not originally Indian but was borrowed from Persian and Arabic, reflecting the deep influence of the Mughal Empire on the Hindi language.
Examples in context
- लेकिन मुझे गलत मत समझिए।But don't get me wrong.This example shows how to use लेकिन to clarify a point.Tatoeba #8879571 by simranbansal, translation #8872531 by CM
- टॉम ने कोशिश की लेकिन वह असफल रहा।Tom tried but he failed.This sentence demonstrates using लेकिन to connect two contrasting actions.Tatoeba #11381143 by PrasantaHembram, translation #11267611 by carlosalberto
- यह आसान नहीं है लेकिन करा जा सकता है।It isn't easy, but it's doable.This is an example of using लेकिन to contrast difficulty with possibility.Tatoeba #8889319 by simranbansal, translation #7198330 by CK
- मैं पढ़ाई कर रहा था, लेकिन मुझे थोड़ी तकलीफ हो रही थी।I was studying, but I was experiencing a little discomfort.
- मैं आया था तेरे पास, पर तू नहीं था।I came to you, but you were not there.
- मैं पढ़ रहा था, लेकिन वह घूमने गयी।I was studying, but she went for a walk.
- रात हो गई है, मगर तारे जगमग रहे हैं।It's night, but the stars are shining brightly.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Neha and Aditya are discussing a movie they just watched.
- नेहा Nehaफिल्म अच्छी थी, लेकिन बहुत लंबी थी।Film achhi thi, lekin bahut lambi thi.The movie was good, but it was very long.
- आदित्य Adityaहाँ, मुझे भी ऐसा ही लगा।Haan, mujhe bhi aisa hi laga.Yes, I felt the same way.
- नेहा Nehaक्या आप फिर से इसे देखेंगे?Kya aap phir se ise dekhenge?Would you watch it again?
- आदित्य Adityaनहीं, लेकिन मैं इसका दूसरा भाग देखूँगा।Nahi, lekin main iska doosra bhaag dekhoonga.No, but I will watch its second part.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry लेकिन, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries लेकिन, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
