Learning a new language can be a thrilling and enriching experience, and Marathi, with its rich cultural heritage and linguistic depth, is no exception. One of the crucial aspects of mastering any language is understanding its prepositions, as they help in forming clear and precise sentences. In this article, we’ll delve into the prepositions of time in Marathi, exploring their usage and providing examples to help you grasp their application in everyday conversations.
Understanding Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time are words used to indicate when something happens. They are essential in providing context to events and actions, helping to specify exact moments, durations, or periods in time. In English, common prepositions of time include “at,” “on,” and “in.” Similarly, Marathi has its own set of prepositions that perform the same function.
Key Prepositions of Time in Marathi
In Marathi, prepositions of time play a significant role in everyday communication. Here are some of the primary prepositions of time along with their usage:
1. ला (lā)
The preposition “ला” (lā) is often used to indicate a specific point in time, much like the English preposition “at.” It is used to denote exact times of the day, such as hours and minutes.
Example:
– मी सात वाजता उठतो. (Mī sāt vājatā uṭhatō.) – I wake up at seven o’clock.
2. मध्ये (madhye)
The preposition “मध्ये” (madhye) is used to indicate a duration or period within a larger timeframe, similar to the English “in” or “during.”
Example:
– उन्हाळ्यात मी गावी जातो. (Unhāḷyāt mī gāvī jātō.) – I go to the village during the summer.
3. पासून (pāsūn)
The preposition “पासून” (pāsūn) is used to indicate the starting point of a duration or the beginning of a period, akin to the English “since” or “from.”
Example:
– मी सकाळ पासून अभ्यास करतो आहे. (Mī sakāḷ pāsūn abhyās karto āhē.) – I have been studying since morning.
4. पर्यंत (paryant)
The preposition “पर्यंत” (paryant) is used to denote the end point of a duration or the conclusion of a period, similar to the English “until” or “to.”
Example:
– मी रात्री दहापर्यंत काम करतो. (Mī rātrī dahāparyant kām karto.) – I work until ten at night.
5. पूर्वी (pūrvī)
The preposition “पूर्वी” (pūrvī) is used to indicate a time before a certain point, similar to the English “before.”
Example:
– मी जेवणपूर्वी हात धुतो. (Mī jevaṇpūrvī hāt dhutō.) – I wash my hands before eating.
6. नंतर (nantar)
The preposition “नंतर” (nantar) is used to indicate a time after a certain point, similar to the English “after.”
Example:
– मी कामानंतर विश्रांती घेतो. (Mī kāmānantar viśrānti ghetō.) – I rest after work.
Using Prepositions of Time in Sentences
To further understand the application of these prepositions, let’s examine how they can be used in various contexts and sentence structures.
1. Specific Times
When talking about specific times, “ला” (lā) is the go-to preposition. It helps in pinpointing the exact moment an event occurs.
Examples:
– तु भेटायला केव्हा येणार आहेस? (Tu bheṭāyālā kēvhā yenār āhes?) – When are you coming to meet?
– मी संध्याकाळी सात वाजता येईन. (Mī sandhyākāḷī sāt vājatā yeīn.) – I will come at seven in the evening.
2. Periods and Durations
To discuss periods and durations, “मध्ये” (madhye) and “पासून” (pāsūn) are frequently used. These prepositions help in expressing the timeframe within which an event occurs.
Examples:
– उन्हाळ्यात, मी दररोज स्विमिंगला जातो. (Unhāḷyāt, mī dararōj swiminglā jātō.) – During summer, I go swimming every day.
– तो सकाळपासून संध्याकाळपर्यंत काम करतो. (Tō sakāḷpāsūn sandhyākāḷparyant kām karto.) – He works from morning until evening.
3. Start and End Points
When indicating start and end points, “पासून” (pāsūn) and “पर्यंत” (paryant) are essential. They help in defining the beginning and conclusion of a timeframe.
Examples:
– मी सोमवारी काम सुरू करतो. (Mī sōmvārī kām surū karto.) – I start work on Monday.
– आमचा अभ्यास आठवड्याच्या शेवटी संपतो. (Āmcā abhyās āṭhvaḍyācyā śēvaṭī sampatō.) – Our studies end at the week’s end.
4. Before and After
To describe actions that happen before or after a certain time, “पूर्वी” (pūrvī) and “नंतर” (nantar) are used.
Examples:
– मी झोपण्यापूर्वी पुस्तक वाचतो. (Mī jhōpṇyāpūrvī pustak vāchtō.) – I read a book before sleeping.
– कामानंतर मी व्यायाम करतो. (Kāmānantar mī vyāyām karto.) – I exercise after work.
Common Phrases and Expressions
To become more comfortable with prepositions of time in Marathi, it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with common phrases and expressions that incorporate these prepositions. Here are some practical examples:
1. Meeting and Appointments
– मी उद्या सकाळी दहा वाजता भेटू शकतो. (Mī udyā sakāḷī dahā vājatā bheṭū śakto.) – I can meet you tomorrow at ten in the morning.
– आमची मीटिंग तीन वाजता आहे. (Āmcī mīṭīng tīna vājatā āhē.) – Our meeting is at three o’clock.
2. Daily Routines
– मी सकाळी सहा वाजता उठतो. (Mī sakāḷī sahā vājatā uṭhatō.) – I wake up at six in the morning.
– रात्री झोपण्यापूर्वी मी दूध पितो. (Rātrī jhōpṇyāpūrvī mī dūdh pito.) – I drink milk before sleeping at night.
3. Special Occasions
– माझा वाढदिवस जानेवारी मध्ये आहे. (Mājhā vāḍhdivas jānevārī madhye āhē.) – My birthday is in January.
– आम्ही दिवाळीत नवीन कपडे खरेदी करतो. (Āmhī divāḷīt navīn kapḍē kharēdī karto.) – We buy new clothes during Diwali.
4. Work and Study
– मी नऊ वाजता ऑफिसला जातो. (Mī nau vājatā ōfislā jātō.) – I go to the office at nine o’clock.
– ती संध्याकाळी अभ्यास करते. (Tī sandhyākāḷī abhyās karte.) – She studies in the evening.
Practical Exercises
To solidify your understanding of prepositions of time in Marathi, here are some practical exercises you can try:
1. Fill in the Blanks
Use the correct preposition of time to complete the sentences:
– मी __________ (before) काम करत होतो. (pūrvī / lā / paryant)
– मी __________ (since) पहाट पासून जागा आहे. (madhye / pāsūn / nantar)
– आम्ही __________ (during) सुट्टीत प्रवास करतो. (lā / madhye / pāsūn)
– मी __________ (until) रात्री बारा वाजता अभ्यास करतो. (pūrvī / paryant / nantar)
– मी __________ (after) जेवण नंतर कामाला जातो. (pāsūn / nantar / madhye)
2. Translation Practice
Translate the following sentences into Marathi, paying attention to the correct use of prepositions of time:
– I will call you at 5 PM.
– She travels during the holidays.
– He has been waiting since morning.
– They will stay until the end of the month.
– We will meet before the movie starts.
3. Conversational Practice
Engage in a conversation with a friend or language partner using prepositions of time. Discuss your daily routine, upcoming plans, and past events, ensuring to incorporate the prepositions learned.
Conclusion
Understanding and using prepositions of time correctly is vital for effective communication in Marathi. These prepositions help to convey precise information about when events occur, enhancing the clarity and context of your sentences. By practicing their usage through exercises and real-life conversations, you can become more proficient in using prepositions of time, making your Marathi language skills more accurate and expressive.
Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and consistent practice is key. Keep exploring, practicing, and engaging with native speakers to master the nuances of Marathi prepositions of time. Happy learning!
