परंतु (parantu)
conjunction
A formal-register word meaning 'but/however', used interchangeably with लेकिन (lekin) though slightly more literary in feel.
Sense
1
:
but, however
conjunction
Synonyms: लेकिन (lekin), मगर (magar), किंतु (kintu, slightly more literary), पर (par, colloquial, shorter)
Frequency: medium
Cultural Note: You will meet परंतु (parantu) constantly in written Hindi -- news articles, essays, textbooks, formal speeches -- but in everyday chatting among friends, लेकिन (lekin) or मगर (magar) is far more natural. Think of it like choosing 'however' over 'but' in English: correct in any context, but it signals a slightly more formal register.
Common Mistakes: 1) Learners often assume परंतु (parantu) is interchangeable with पर (par) in every context, but पर (par) is much more casual and used constantly in speech, while परंतु (parantu) leans toward writing, speeches, and careful/formal talk. 2) Some learners overuse परंतु (parantu) in casual conversation where a native speaker would simply say लेकिन (lekin), making the sentence sound stiff or bookish.
Sample Sentences:
उसने बहुत मेहनत की, परंतु सफलता नहीं मिली।
He worked very hard, but he did not achieve success.
(usne bahut mehnat kii, parantu saphaltaa nahiin milii।)
सरकार ने नई योजना की घोषणा की, परंतु उसका क्रियान्वयन अभी बाकी है।
The government announced a new scheme, but its implementation is still pending.
(sarkaar ne naii yojnaa kii ghoshnaa kii, parantu uskaa kriyaanvyan abhii baakii hai।)
वह प्रतिदिन समय पर आता है, परंतु आज देर से आया।
He comes on time every day, but today he came late.
(vah pratidin samay par aataa hai, parantu aaj der se aayaa।)
यह कार्य कठिन अवश्य है, परंतु असंभव नहीं।
This task is certainly difficult, but it is not impossible.
(yah kaary kathin avashy hai, parantu asambhav nahiin।)
यदि वह समय पर पहुँचता, परंतु रास्ते में गाड़ी खराब हो गई।
He would have arrived on time, but the car broke down on the way.
(yadi vah samay par pahunchtaa, parantu raaste men gaadii kharaab ho gaii।)
रिपोर्ट समय पर प्रस्तुत की गई, परंतु उसमें कई त्रुटियाँ थीं।
The report was submitted on time, but it contained many errors.
(riport samay par prastut kii gaii, parantu usmen kaii trutiyaan thiin।)
आप चाहें तो आवेदन कर सकते हैं, परंतु अंतिम तिथि नज़दीक है।
You may apply if you wish, but the last date is near.
(aap chaahen to aavedan kar sakte hain, parantu antim tithi nazdiik hai।)
कृपया आवेदन जल्द भेजें, परंतु सभी दस्तावेज़ पूरे रखें।
Please send the application soon, but keep all the documents complete.
(kripyaa aavedan jald bhejen, parantu sabhii dastaavez poore rakhen।)
विद्वान इस विषय पर वर्षों से शोध कर रहे हैं, परंतु अभी भी अनेक प्रश्न अनुत्तरित हैं।
Scholars have been researching this subject for years, but many questions remain unanswered.
(vidvaan is vishay par varshon se shodh kar rahe hain, parantu abhii bhii anek prashn anuttrit hain।)