English · Everyday verbs
Bolna in English: To speak (बोलना)
to speak
Hindi (Devanagari)
बोलना
Hindi (English letters)
bolna
बोलना (bolna) can be expressed as “to speak” in English. For example: “I can speak a little Hindi.”
“bolna” kehna ho, to English mein “to speak” use karein. Neeche poore sentences aur Hindi meanings saath diye hain. Context dekhkar apna sentence chunein.
Language ability
I can speak a little Hindi.
मैं थोड़ी हिंदी बोल सकता हूँ।
main thodi hindi bol sakta hoon.
How to pronounce “to speak”
Say it in English
too speek
This is a sound guide for English, using a common American pronunciation. CAPITAL letters mark the stronger syllable in a longer word. Say the example sentence at a comfortable pace; Hindi spelling does not map sound for sound to English.
to speak: Hindi meaning and useful expressions
| English | Hindi meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| to speak | बोलना bolna The basic verb form; compare the complete expressions below. | The basic verb form; compare the complete expressions below. |
| I can speak a little Hindi. | मैं थोड़ी हिंदी बोल सकता हूँ। main thodi hindi bol sakta hoon. Language ability | Language ability |
| Please speak a bit louder; I can't hear. | ज़रा ज़ोर से बोलिए, सुनाई नहीं दे रहा। zara zor se boliye, sunaai nahi de raha. On a noisy call | On a noisy call |
The dictionary expression is “to speak”. In a sentence, choose the verb form for the subject and time; the examples show three complete patterns.
To is part of an infinitive such as to go, but it does not appear before every English verb. After can, could, will or should, use the base form directly.
How to use “to speak” in English sentences
1. Language ability
I can speak a little Hindi.
मैं थोड़ी हिंदी बोल सकता हूँ।
main thodi hindi bol sakta hoon.
2. On a noisy call
Please speak a bit louder; I can't hear.
ज़रा ज़ोर से बोलिए, सुनाई नहीं दे रहा।
zara zor se boliye, sunaai nahi de raha.
3. Making plans to chat
I have to speak Hindi tomorrow; I'm busy now.
कल हिंदी बोलना है, अभी मैं व्यस्त हूँ।
kal hindi bolna hai, abhi main vyast hoon.
Common mistakes with “to speak”
Instead of
I can speak an little Hindi.
Say this
I can speak a little Hindi.
Choose a or an from the next sound. An goes before a vowel sound; a goes before a consonant sound. Read the corrected phrase as a unit.
Instead of
I can to speak a little Hindi.
Say this
I can speak a little Hindi.
After this modal verb, use the base verb directly. Do not insert to between can, could, will, would, should or must and the next verb.
Asking a shopkeeper to slow down
Read both roles. Say the English lines out loud before checking the Hindi meaning.
Partner
This shirt is two hundred.
Show Hindi meaning
यह कमीज़ दो सौ की है।
yah kameez do sau ki hai.
You
Please speak slowly; I am learning.
Show Hindi meaning
कृपया धीरे बोलिए, मैं सीख रहा हूँ।
kripya dheere boliye, main seekh raha hoon.
Partner
Okay. Can you speak Hindi?
Show Hindi meaning
अच्छा। आप हिंदी बोल सकते हैं?
achha. aap hindi bol sakte hain?
You
I speak a little, and I want to talk more.
Show Hindi meaning
थोड़ी बोलता हूँ, और बात करना चाहता हूँ।
thodi bolta hoon, aur baat karna chaahata hoon.
Your turn: use “to speak”
Say this in English: ज़रा ज़ोर से बोलिए, सुनाई नहीं दे रहा। (zara zor se boliye, sunaai nahi de raha.)
Reveal sample answer
Please speak a bit louder; I can't hear.
ज़रा ज़ोर से बोलिए, सुनाई नहीं दे रहा।
zara zor se boliye, sunaai nahi de raha.
Compare your word order with “Please speak a bit louder; I can't hear.” Then use the same pattern to say something about your own day.
Questions about “to speak” in English
Bolna ko English mein kya kehte hain?
बोलना (bolna) can be expressed as “to speak” in English. For example: “I can speak a little Hindi.”
What does “to speak” mean in Hindi?
In the sense taught here, “to speak” means बोलना (bolna). The sentence “I can speak a little Hindi.” shows it in context.
How do I use “to speak” in a sentence?
Please speak a bit louder; I can't hear. Hindi meaning: ज़रा ज़ोर से बोलिए, सुनाई नहीं दे रहा। (zara zor se boliye, sunaai nahi de raha.). The dictionary expression is “to speak”. In a sentence, choose the verb form for the subject and time; the examples show three complete patterns.
What should I watch for when using “to speak”?
To is part of an infinitive such as to go, but it does not appear before every English verb. After can, could, will or should, use the base form directly.
