Prepositions of time are integral components in both English and Urdu, helping us to convey when an action occurs. Understanding the nuances of these prepositions can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in both languages. While English and Urdu share some similarities in their use of time prepositions, there are also notable differences that learners should be aware of. This article will delve into the rules and usage of prepositions of time in Urdu, offering examples and explanations to aid in your understanding.
Understanding Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time are words that help us specify when something happens. Common prepositions of time in English include “at,” “in,” and “on.” Similarly, Urdu has its own set of prepositions that serve this purpose, such as “پر” (par), “میں” (mein), and “کو” (ko). Recognizing how these prepositions function in both languages will allow you to translate and use them more accurately.
“At” in Urdu
In English, “at” is used to indicate a specific time. For example:
– We will meet at 5 PM.
– The train arrives at noon.
In Urdu, the preposition “پر” (par) often serves a similar function. For example:
– ہم شام پانچ بجے ملیں گے۔ (Hum shaam paanch baje milenge.)
– ٹرین دوپہر کو پہنچتی ہے۔ (Train dopahar ko poochti hai.)
However, it’s important to note that Urdu sometimes uses “کو” (ko) instead of “پر” (par) depending on the context. For instance:
– ہم رات کو کھانا کھائیں گے۔ (Hum raat ko khana khayenge.)
“In” in Urdu
“In” is used in English to denote longer periods of time such as months, years, decades, or parts of the day:
– She was born in July.
– We will travel in 2023.
– He works in the morning.
In Urdu, “میں” (mein) is used similarly:
– وہ جولائی میں پیدا ہوئی۔ (Woh July mein paida hui.)
– ہم 2023 میں سفر کریں گے۔ (Hum 2023 mein safar karenge.)
– وہ صبح میں کام کرتا ہے۔ (Woh subah mein kaam karta hai.)
“On” in Urdu
“On” is used in English for specific days and dates:
– The meeting is on Monday.
– Her birthday is on the 15th of August.
In Urdu, “پر” (par) is again often used for this purpose:
– میٹنگ پیر پر ہے۔ (Meeting Peer par hai.)
– اس کی سالگرہ 15 اگست پر ہے۔ (Uski salgirah 15 August par hai.)
Differences in Usage
While the prepositions of time in Urdu often mirror those in English, there are differences in how they are used. For instance, Urdu often uses the word “کو” (ko) for times of the day and events, which can be different from the English usage of “at” or “on.”
Example:
– ہم رات کو سونے جاتے ہیں۔ (Hum raat ko sonay jatay hain.)
(We go to sleep at night.)
In this case, “کو” (ko) is used to indicate a general time frame (“at night”), whereas in English, “at” is typically used.
Combining Prepositions with Time Expressions
In both English and Urdu, prepositions of time are often combined with specific time expressions to provide more detailed information. Here are some common combinations:
English:
– At + specific time (e.g., at 6 PM)
– In + month/year/season (e.g., in March, in 2022, in summer)
– On + day/date (e.g., on Monday, on the 4th of July)
Urdu:
– کو + specific time (e.g., 6 بجے کو)
– میں + month/year/season (e.g., مارچ میں، 2022 میں، گرمیوں میں)
– پر + day/date (e.g., پیر پر، 4 جولائی پر)
Special Cases and Exceptions
As with any language, there are exceptions and special cases in the use of prepositions of time in Urdu. For example, certain idiomatic expressions may not follow the standard rules. Here are a few examples:
Idiomatic Expressions:
– وقت پر (Waqt par) – On time
– دیر سے (Der se) – Late
– جلدی میں (Jaldi mein) – In a hurry
In these cases, the prepositions are part of fixed expressions that convey a specific meaning, and they may not directly translate to their English equivalents.
Practical Tips for Learners
Here are some practical tips to help you master prepositions of time in Urdu:
1. Practice with Real-Life Examples:
Try to use prepositions of time in sentences related to your daily activities. For example, describe your schedule in Urdu:
– میں صبح 7 بجے اٹھتا ہوں۔ (Mein subah 7 baje uthta hoon.) – I wake up at 7 AM.
– میں رات کو 10 بجے سوتا ہوں۔ (Mein raat ko 10 baje sota hoon.) – I go to bed at 10 PM.
2. Listen and Imitate:
Listen to native Urdu speakers and pay attention to how they use prepositions of time. Try to imitate their usage in your own conversations.
3. Use Flashcards:
Create flashcards with common prepositions of time and their usage in sentences. Review these regularly to reinforce your understanding.
4. Engage in Conversations:
Practice using prepositions of time in conversations with native Urdu speakers or fellow learners. This will help you become more comfortable and confident in using them correctly.
5. Read and Write:
Read Urdu texts, such as newspapers, books, or online articles, to see how prepositions of time are used in different contexts. Additionally, practice writing sentences and paragraphs that include these prepositions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While learning prepositions of time in Urdu, there are some common mistakes that learners should be aware of:
1. Overusing “پر” (par):
Learners often overuse “پر” (par) for all time-related expressions. Remember that “کو” (ko) is frequently used for times of the day and events.
2. Mixing Up Prepositions:
Be careful not to mix up prepositions such as “میں” (mein) and “پر” (par). For example, don’t say “پیر میں” (Peer mein) for “on Monday”; instead, use “پیر پر” (Peer par).
3. Ignoring Context:
Pay attention to the context in which prepositions are used. Some expressions may require specific prepositions that don’t directly translate to their English counterparts.
Conclusion
Mastering prepositions of time in Urdu is a crucial step in becoming proficient in the language. By understanding the rules and usage of these prepositions, you can effectively convey when actions occur and enhance your overall communication skills. Remember to practice regularly, engage with native speakers, and pay attention to context to avoid common mistakes. With dedication and effort, you’ll find yourself using prepositions of time in Urdu with confidence and accuracy.
