Key Concepts and Their Translation in Hindi Language

In English, we use can and could to express ability, possibility, or permission. In Hindi, can is translated as "सकता/सकती" (sakta/sakti) and could is translated as "सकता था/सकती थी" (sakta tha/sakti thi).

Usage Examples and Translations

1. I can swim very well.
मैं बहुत अच्छे से तैर सकता हूँ। (Main bahut achhe se tair sakta hoon.)


2. She can speak three languages.
वह तीन भाषाएँ बोल सकती है। (Woh teen bhashayein bol sakti hai.)


3. When I was younger, I could run fast.
जब मैं छोटा था, मैं तेज दौड़ सकता था। (Jab main chhota tha, main tez daud sakta tha.)


4. He could play the guitar when he was a child.
वह बच्चा था जब वह गिटार बजा सकता था। (Woh bachcha tha jab woh guitar baja sakta tha.)


Key Mistakes

1. Using can for past ability: "I can swim when I was a child." (Incorrect)
Correct: "I could swim when I was a child."

2. Confusing can and could in requests: "Can you help me?" is correct, but "Could you help me?" is more polite.

3. Forgetting to match the subject: "He can plays football." (Incorrect)
Correct: "He can play football."

Understanding the difference between can and could is essential for effective communication in English.