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The -हिं (-hin) Rule: Present Tense & Plurality

1. The -hin Suffix​

In Awadhi grammar, verb endings dictate both the tense (when the action happens) and the plurality (how many people are doing it).

When the suffix -हिं (-hin) is added to the end of an action word (verb), it signifies that the action is Present Tense and Plural (meaning "They are doing it right now").

2. Honorific Plurality Context​

While the suffix technically denotes a plural group of actors, standard Awadhi cultural linguistics often use the plural to denote deep reverence and respect. As such, this rule can also apply to a single, highly respected individual as a form of honorific plurality (e.g. speaking about one's father, a king, or a deity).

This simple suffix instantly informs the reader about the context of the subjects actively engaged in the process at that exact moment.

3. Comparison with Hindi​

In standard Hindi, the present tense plural is typically formed by using the auxiliary verb "हैं" (hain) at the end of the sentence (e.g., वे करते हैं / Ve karte hain). In Awadhi, the "-hin" suffix elegantly fuses the "they do" meaning directly into a single word (e.g., करहिं / Karahin), streamlining the sentence structure considerably.

4. Examples from the Manas​

Whenever you see a verb ending in -हिं (-hin) in the Manas, remember this rule:

  • कहहिं (Kahahin): They say (वे कहते हैं)
  • करहिं (Karahin): They do (वे करते हैं)
  • गावहिं (Gavahin): They sing (वे गाते हैं)
  • चितवहिं (Chitavahin): They gaze (वे निहारते हैं)