तो
to/t̪oː/
In Hindi, the word for "so" is तो (to).
तो is a conjunction used to introduce a logical result or a consequence of something previously mentioned. It can also be used at the beginning of a sentence to transition into a new topic or to introduce a logical consequence, similar to how "so" functions in English.
Which one should you use?
While तो can mean "so" to indicate a consequence, it is distinct from the Hindi word इसलिए, which specifically means "therefore" or "that is why".
How does it change in a sentence?
When used in a conditional sentence starting with अगर (if), तो functions as "then".
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is to. The IPA is /t̪oː/.
Did you know?
- Using तो for emphasis, such as in 'वह तो गया' (He is indeed gone), changes it from a conjunction to a particle that highlights the subject.
- The word तो is actually a descendant of the Sanskrit word ततस्, which literally meant 'from there'.
- When used in a response to a question, तो can convey a sense of 'obviously' or 'of course', depending on the speaker's tone.
Examples in context
- तो संकोच ना करें।So don't hesitate.Tatoeba #9012784 by simranbansal, translation #1438299 by niceguydave
- अगर टॉम जाएगा, तो मैं भी जाऊंगा।If Tom goes, so will I.This sentence demonstrates how तो functions as "then" in an "if…then" structure.Tatoeba #11380925 by PrasantaHembram, translation #11264177 by hecko
- तो क्या प्याला आधा भरा है या फिर आधा खाली?So, is the glass half full or half empty?This sentence shows how तो can be used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a question or transition topics.Tatoeba #8864252 by aboi, translation #4823841 by whitefishglobal
- वह वसंत की तरह इस प्रकार इतना सुंदर था कि सबका ध्यान उसी पर गया।He was so beautiful in this manner, like spring, that everyone's attention was drawn to him.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aditya and Priya are discussing a plan after checking the weather.
- आदित्य Adityaबारिश हो रही है, तो क्या हम घर पर रुकें?Baarish ho rahi hai, to kya hum ghar par ruken?It is raining, so should we stay at home?
- प्रिया Priyaहाँ, तो हम फिल्म देख सकते हैं।Haan, to hum film dekh sakte hain.Yes, so we can watch a movie.
- आदित्य Adityaठीक है, तो मैं पॉपकॉर्न बनाता हूँ।Theek hai, to main popcorn banata hoon.Okay, so I will make popcorn.
- प्रिया Priyaबहुत अच्छा, आदित्य!Bahut achha, Aditya!Very good, Aditya!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry तो, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries तो, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
