The Past Indefinite Tense In Hindi (also known as Simple Past Tense) is one of the most important tenses in English grammar. It tells us about actions that happened and ended in the past — whether a moment ago, yesterday, last year, or at any definite or indefinite time in the past.
👉 In Hindi, it is often called भूतकाल or Simple Past Tense (सिंपल पास्ट टेन्स).
1. What is Past Indefinite Tense In Hindi?
The Past Indefinite Tense expresses an action that started and completed in the past. It doesn’t show whether the action is still going on — it has finished.
✔ For example:
- I went to the market.
(मैं बाजार गया।) - He saw a movie yesterday.
(उसने कल एक फिल्म देखी।)
Here, both actions happened and ended in the past.
2. Why is it Called “Indefinite”?
It’s called “Indefinite” because the exact time of the action may not always be mentioned — even though it’s understood that the action is in the past.
👉 Example:
- She saw my message.
(यह स्पष्ट है कि संदेश देखने का कार्य पहले हो चुका है — समय निर्दिष्ट नहीं है।)
3. Form & Structure
a. Positive / Affirmative Sentences
Formula:
Subject + Verb (V2 / past form) + Object / Complement
Example:
- She played football.
- They watched the match.
Notes:
- Most verbs become past by adding -ed (e.g., walk → walked).
- Irregular verbs change differently (e.g., go → went, see → saw).
Past Continuous Tense Examples
Past Continuous Tense Examples,
Are you seeking a practical and engaging way to master the nuances of English grammar, specifically the Past Continuous Tense Examples ? Look no further!
b. Negative Sentences
Formula:
Subject + did not + Verb (base form / V1) + Object
Important:
When we use did not, the main verb must be in its base form (V1) — not V2.
Example:
- He did not go to school.
- I did not do my homework.
❌ Wrong: He did not went to school.
✔ Correct: He did not go to school.
c. Interrogative (Question) Sentences
Formula:
Did + Subject + Verb (base form / V1) + Object?
Example:
- Did you call him yesterday?
- Did they finish the work?
❗ Remember, we use did at the beginning of the question and the main verb stays in base form.
d. WH-Questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How)
Formula:
WH-Word + did + Subject + Verb (base form / V1) + Object?
Example:
- When did you go to the market?
- Why did he leave early?
4. Time Expressions Commonly Used in Past Indefinite Tense
To show when an action occurred, we usually use time words like:
yesterday, last night, last week, ago, in 2010, this morning, yesterday evening, two days ago, etc.
Examples:
- I met him two days ago.
- She bought a dress last week.
- They went to Goa in 2019.
5. When Do We Use Past Indefinite Tense In Hindi?
A. Completed Past Actions
For actions that started and finished in the past.
✔ I ate breakfast at 8 AM.
✔ She wrote a letter.
B. Past Habits and Routines
To talk about habits that were true in the past (but not anymore).
✔ When I was young, I played cricket every Sunday.
✔ She visited her grandparents every summer.
C. Past Facts or General Truths
Things that were true in the past.
✔ India got independence in 1947.
✔ He lived in Delhi last year.
6. Irregular Verbs in Past Indefinite Tense In Hindi
Unlike regular verbs (which add -ed), many English verbs change form. Learning irregular verbs is crucial to mastering the Past Indefinite Tense In Hindi
| Base Form | Past Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| go | went | She went home. |
| eat | ate | He ate a burger. |
| see | saw | I saw a film. |
| buy | bought | They bought apples. |
7. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Using V2 with “did”
Incorrect: She did not went.
Correct: She did not go.
❌ Using Present Perfect Instead of Simple Past
Incorrect: I have seen him yesterday.
Correct: I saw him yesterday.
(We must use past tense because the time expression is definite.)
❌ Confusing Past Indefinite with Past Continuous or Past Perfect
- Past Continuous shows ongoing action at a point in the past:
I was eating when he arrived. - Past Perfect expresses earlier past before another past action:
She had left before it rained.
Always use Past Indefinite when simple, completed actions are meant.
8. Lots of Useful Examples
Positive Sentences
- I watched TV last night.
- Rohan went to the market yesterday.
- They completed the project on time.
- She won the competition.
- We met our friends last week.
Negative Sentences
- He did not study last night.
- We did not eat anything yesterday.
- She did not go to school last Friday.
- They did not watch the match.
Interrogative Sentences
- Did you see that movie?
- Did she come here yesterday?
- Did they help you?
- Did he finish the work on time?
WH-Questions
- What did you eat yesterday?
- Where did he go last night?
- When did she call you?
- Why did they leave early?
9. Practice Exercises (Try Yourself!)
Fill in the blanks with correct past form (V2):
- I ______ (go) to the shop.
- She ______ (see) the accident.
- They ______ (play) cricket.
- We ______ (finish) our work.
Convert to Negatives:
5. He wrote a letter. → __________________
6. They bought gifts. → __________________
Make Questions:
7. She cooked dinner. → __________________
8. They read the book. → __________________
10. Quick Tips to Remember
✔ Use V2 / past verb for positive sentences.
✔ Use did + base form for negative and questions.
✔ Time words like yesterday, last, ago go with Past Indefinite.
✔ Distinguish from continuous and perfect forms.
Conclusion
The Past Indefinite Tense In Hindi (Simple Past) is essential for talking about finished actions in the past. Once you know the rules, irregular verbs, and how to form affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences, you can confidently use it in both spoken and written English. Regular practice with examples will make this tense easy and natural!
If you’d like, I can also provide downloadable printable worksheets or more exercises for learners!
Past Continuous Tense Examples
Past Continuous Tense Examples,
Are you seeking a practical and engaging way to master the nuances of English grammar, specifically the Past Continuous Tense Examples ? Look no further!