के लिए
ke lie
The Hindi word for "for" is के लिए (ke lie).
के लिए is a preposition used to indicate the person or thing that is the intended recipient or purpose of an action.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the postposition के (of) and the word लिए (for/purpose).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase के लिए is used with nouns or pronouns to indicate the recipient or purpose.
How do you pronounce it?
ke lie
Did you know?
- The word लिए is a form of the verb 'to take' लेना. Conceptually, doing something 'for' someone in Hindi is framed as 'taking' an action on their behalf.
- In formal writing or high poetry, you may encounter the Sanskrit-derived word हेतु instead of के लिए, though using it in a coffee shop would sound incredibly dramatic.
- If you use के लिए to say you are doing something 'for' someone, it implies you are acting for their benefit. To act as a formal representative or 'on behalf of' someone, you must use की ओर से.
Examples in context
- सबकुछ उसी के लिए होता है।Everything is done for him.Tatoeba #12396096 by Saumya, translation #10001272 by sacredceltic
- भोजन के लिए अतिरिक्त शुल्क देना होगा।You have to pay more for food.Tatoeba #8938165 by simranbansal, translation #9415339 by abracadebby
- टॉम नीचे लेटने के लिए जगह ढूंढ रहा है।Tom is looking for a place to lay low.Tatoeba #11381114 by PrasantaHembram, translation #11271745 by shekitten
- 109 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anjali and Vikas are discussing a gift for a friend.
- अंजलि Anjaliयह तोहफा किसके लिए है?Yeh tohfa kiske liye hai?Who is this gift for?
- विकास Vikasयह मेरी बहन के लिए है।Yeh meri behen ke liye hai.This is for my sister.
- अंजलि Anjaliक्या वह इसे पसंद करेगी?Kya vah ise pasand karegi?Will she like it?
- विकास Vikasहाँ, वह इसे बहुत पसंद करेगी।Haan, vah ise bahut pasand karegi.Yes, she will like it very much.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
