The English preposition "by" is one of the most versatile words in English, and learning its Hindi equivalents requires understanding multiple forms. In Hindi, "by" is primarily expressed through से (se), द्वारा (dvārā), and के पास (ke pās), each serving different grammatical and semantic functions.
Definition: "By" in Hindi is not a single word but rather a concept expressed through various postpositions depending on the context: -
से (se) - instrumental case, meaning "by means of," "with," or "from" -
द्वारा (dvārā) or के द्वारा (ke dvārā) - formal agency, meaning "by" or "through" -
के पास (ke pās) - locational, meaning "by" or "near" -
तक (tak) - temporal, meaning "by" a certain time
Question: What does "by" mean in Hindi? Answer: "By" in Hindi is expressed through multiple postpositions: से (se) for instruments and means, द्वारा (dvārā) for formal agency, के पास (ke pās) for location, and तक (tak) for time limits. The choice depends on the specific context and meaning intended.
@context: https://schema.org/ @type: EducationalMaterial name: Hindi Lesson 33 - The word 'by' description: Learn how to express the English preposition 'by' in Hindi using various postpositions educationalLevel: Beginner to Intermediate learningResourceType: Language Lesson inLanguage: en, hi teaches: Hindi postpositions equivalent to English 'by'
In this lesson, you will encounter "by" in various contexts: instrumental usage (doing something by means of something), agency (action performed by someone), location (being by/near something), and temporal expressions (completing by a certain time). Each example demonstrates natural Hindi usage with appropriate postpositions.
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Hindi uses different postpositions to express the various meanings of English "by" -
से (se) is the most common equivalent, used for instruments and means -
द्वारा (dvārā) indicates formal agency or authorship -
के पास (ke pās) expresses proximity or location -
Context determines which Hindi postposition to use -
All Hindi postpositions come after the noun they modify
33.1 वह She (vah) ट्रेन train (ṭren) से by (se) दिल्ली Delhi (dillī) गई went (gaī)
33.2 यह This (yah) किताब book (kitāb) प्रेमचंद Premchand (premcand) द्वारा by (dvārā) लिखी written (likhī) गई was (gaī) है is (hai)
33.3 बच्चे Children (bacce) नदी river (nadī) के पास by (ke pās) खेल playing (khel) रहे are (rahe) हैं are (haiṁ)
33.4 कृपया Please (kṛpayā) यह this (yah) काम work (kām) कल tomorrow (kal) तक by (tak) पूरा complete (pūrā) करें do (kareṁ)
33.5 पत्र Letter (patra) डाक post (ḍāk) से by (se) भेजा sent (bhejā) गया was (gayā)
33.6 यह This (yah) चित्र painting (citra) मेरे my (mere) मित्र friend (mitra) के द्वारा by (ke dvārā) बनाया made (banāyā) गया was (gayā)
33.7 वे They (ve) समुद्र sea (samudra) के पास by (ke pās) रहते live (rahte) हैं are (haiṁ)
33.8 मैं I (maiṁ) हाथ hand (hāth) से by (se) लिखता write (likhtā) हूं am (hūṁ)
33.9 खाना Food (khānā) माँ mother (māṁ) द्वारा by (dvārā) बनाया made (banāyā) जाता is (jātā) है is (hai)
33.10 शाम Evening (śām) तक by (tak) बारिश rain (bāriś) रुक stopped (ruk) जाएगी will (jāegī)
33.11 वह He (vah) खिड़की window (khiṛkī) के पास by (ke pās) बैठा sitting (baiṭhā) है is (hai)
33.12 समस्या Problem (samasyā) शिक्षक teacher (śikṣak) द्वारा by (dvārā) हल solved (hal) की was (kī) गई was (gaī)
33.13 हम We (ham) बस bus (bas) से by (se) स्कूल school (skūl) जाते go (jāte) हैं are (haiṁ)
33.14 पुल Bridge (pul) सरकार government (sarkār) के द्वारा by (ke dvārā) बनवाया built (banvāyā) गया was (gayā)
33.15 दोपहर Noon (dopahar) तक by (tak) सब all (sab) काम work (kām) हो done (ho) जाना be (jānā) चाहिए should (cāhie)
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33.1 वह ट्रेन से दिल्ली गई। She went to Delhi by train.
33.2 यह किताब प्रेमचंद द्वारा लिखी गई है। This book was written by Premchand.
33.3 बच्चे नदी के पास खेल रहे हैं। The children are playing by the river.
33.4 कृपया यह काम कल तक पूरा करें। Please complete this work by tomorrow.
33.5 पत्र डाक से भेजा गया। The letter was sent by post.
33.6 यह चित्र मेरे मित्र के द्वारा बनाया गया। This painting was made by my friend.
33.7 वे समुद्र के पास रहते हैं। They live by the sea.
33.8 मैं हाथ से लिखता हूं। I write by hand.
33.9 खाना माँ द्वारा बनाया जाता है। The food is made by mother.
33.10 शाम तक बारिश रुक जाएगी। The rain will stop by evening.
33.11 वह खिड़की के पास बैठा है। He is sitting by the window.
33.12 समस्या शिक्षक द्वारा हल की गई। The problem was solved by the teacher.
33.13 हम बस से स्कूल जाते हैं। We go to school by bus.
33.14 पुल सरकार के द्वारा बनवाया गया। The bridge was built by the government.
33.15 दोपहर तक सब काम हो जाना चाहिए। All work should be done by noon.
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33.1 वह ट्रेन से दिल्ली गई।
33.2 यह किताब प्रेमचंद द्वारा लिखी गई है।
33.3 बच्चे नदी के पास खेल रहे हैं।
33.4 कृपया यह काम कल तक पूरा करें।
33.5 पत्र डाक से भेजा गया।
33.6 यह चित्र मेरे मित्र के द्वारा बनाया गया।
33.7 वे समुद्र के पास रहते हैं।
33.8 मैं हाथ से लिखता हूं।
33.9 खाना माँ द्वारा बनाया जाता है।
33.10 शाम तक बारिश रुक जाएगी।
33.11 वह खिड़की के पास बैठा है।
33.12 समस्या शिक्षक द्वारा हल की गई।
33.13 हम बस से स्कूल जाते हैं।
33.14 पुल सरकार के द्वारा बनवाया गया।
33.15 दोपहर तक सब काम हो जाना चाहिए।
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The English preposition "by" corresponds to several Hindi postpositions, each with specific uses:
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Used to indicate means, method, or instrument -
Expresses "by means of" or "with" -
Examples: ट्रेन से (by train), हाथ से (by hand), डाक से (by post) -
Position: Always follows the noun it modifies
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Used for formal agency, especially in passive constructions -
Indicates the doer of an action -
More formal than से -
के द्वारा is even more formal than द्वारा alone -
Examples: लेखक द्वारा (by the author), सरकार के द्वारा (by the government)
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Indicates proximity or "near" -
Literally means "near to" or "close to" -
Used when "by" means "beside" or "near" -
Examples: नदी के पास (by the river), खिड़की के पास (by the window)
-
Used for deadlines or time limits -
Means "by" in the sense of "no later than" -
Examples: कल तक (by tomorrow), शाम तक (by evening)
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Using से for all instances of "by" -
Incorrect: वह किताब राम से लिखी गई (for authorship) -
Correct: वह किताब राम द्वारा लिखी गई -
Placing postpositions before the noun -
Incorrect: से ट्रेन -
Correct: ट्रेन से -
Confusing के पास with से -
Incorrect: मैं नदी से बैठा हूं (when meaning location) -
Correct: मैं नदी के पास बैठा हूं -
Using द्वारा for instruments -
Incorrect: मैं कलम द्वारा लिखता हूं -
Correct: मैं कलम से लिखता हूं
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Identify the meaning of "by" in your English sentence -
Is it indicating means/instrument? -
Is it showing agency (who did it)? -
Is it expressing location (near)? -
Is it setting a deadline? -
Choose the appropriate Hindi postposition -
Means/instrument → से -
Agency → द्वारा or के द्वारा -
Location → के पास -
Time limit → तक -
Place the postposition after the noun -
English: by train → Hindi: ट्रेन से -
English: by the teacher → Hindi: शिक्षक द्वारा
Postposition forms for "by": -
से (se): instrumental, ablative uses -
द्वारा (dvārā): agentive, formal passive constructions -
के द्वारा (ke dvārā): more formal agentive -
के पास (ke pās): locative, proximity -
तक (tak): temporal limitation
All these postpositions are invariable (do not change form) and always follow the noun or pronoun they modify. In passive constructions, द्वारा is preferred for animate agents, while से can be used for inanimate instruments.
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Understanding the usage of "by" in Hindi requires appreciation of Indian cultural and linguistic patterns. In Hindi, the choice between से and द्वारा often reflects levels of formality and respect. Government documents, news reports, and academic writing typically use द्वारा or के द्वारा to indicate agency, while everyday conversation favors the simpler से for instruments and means.
The locative के पास reflects the Indian cultural emphasis on relationships and proximity. Indians often describe locations in relation to landmarks, temples, or well-known places, making के पास a frequently used construction. For example, saying "मंदिर के पास" (by the temple) is more common than giving exact addresses.
The temporal use of तक demonstrates the Indian approach to time, which can be more fluid than in Western cultures. While तक sets a deadline, there's often an understood flexibility in social contexts, though this is changing in urban professional settings.
In traditional Indian society, passive constructions using द्वारा are common when discussing actions by respected figures or authorities. This reflects the cultural value of indirect communication and respect for hierarchy. For instance, announcements "सरकार द्वारा" (by the government) or books "गुरुजी द्वारा" (by the respected teacher) use the more formal द्वारा.
The instrumental से also appears in many idiomatic expressions that reflect Indian life: "पैदल से" (by foot/on foot), "हाथ से" (by hand), and "दिल से" (by heart/sincerely). These expressions emphasize the value placed on personal effort and sincerity in Indian culture.
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From the Panchatantra (पंचतंत्र), a classic collection of Indian fables:
एक Once (ek) कौआ crow (kauā) प्यास thirst (pyās) से by (se) व्याकुल distressed (vyākul) था was (thā)। उसने He (usne) एक a (ek) घड़ा pitcher (ghaṛā) देखा saw (dekhā) जिसमें in-which (jismeṁ) थोड़ा little (thoṛā) पानी water (pānī) था was (thā)। उसने He (usne) कंकड़ pebbles (kaṅkaṛ) डाल putting (ḍāl) कर by (kar) पानी water (pānī) ऊपर up (ūpar) लाया brought (lāyā) और and (aur) अपनी his (apnī) बुद्धि intelligence (buddhi) से by (se) प्यास thirst (pyās) बुझाई quenched (bujhāī)।
एक कौआ प्यास से व्याकुल था। उसने एक घड़ा देखा जिसमें थोड़ा पानी था। उसने कंकड़ डाल कर पानी ऊपर लाया और अपनी बुद्धि से प्यास बुझाई।
A crow was distressed by thirst. He saw a pitcher in which there was a little water. By putting pebbles (in it), he brought the water up and quenched his thirst by (means of) his intelligence.
This famous fable from the Panchatantra illustrates the instrumental use of से in two contexts: "प्यास से व्याकुल" (distressed by thirst) showing cause, and "बुद्धि से" (by intelligence) showing means. The story also uses the verbal construction "कंकड़ डाल कर" where कर functions similarly to "by" in showing method. This tale has been teaching Indian children about resourcefulness for centuries and demonstrates how से can indicate both negative causes (thirst causing distress) and positive means (intelligence solving problems).
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प्यास से (pyās se): Here से indicates cause, translatable as "by" or "from" thirst -
डाल कर (ḍāl kar): The कर construction shows manner/method, functioning like "by putting" -
बुद्धि से (buddhi se): Instrumental use of से meaning "by means of intelligence" -
The text demonstrates how Hindi often uses compound verbs (डाल कर) where English might use "by" + gerund
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33.16 प्रधानमंत्री Prime-Minister (pradhānmantrī) द्वारा by (dvārā) नई new (naī) योजना scheme (yojanā) की of (kī) घोषणा announcement (ghoṣaṇā) की was (kī) गई made (gaī)
33.17 बाढ़ Flood (bāṛh) से by (se) प्रभावित affected (prabhāvit) क्षेत्रों areas (kṣetroṁ) में in (meṁ) राहत relief (rāhat) कार्य work (kārya) जारी continuing (jārī) है is (hai)
33.18 चुनाव Election (cunāv) आयोग commission (āyog) के द्वारा by (ke dvārā) नए new (nae) नियम rules (niyam) जारी issued (jārī) किए were (kie) गए were (gae)
33.19 रेल Train (rel) से by (se) यात्रा traveling (yātrā) करने doing (karne) वाले of (vāle) यात्रियों passengers (yātriyoṁ) की of (kī) संख्या number (saṅkhyā) बढ़ी increased (baṛhī) है has (hai)
33.20 पुलिस Police (pulis) द्वारा by (dvārā) संदिग्ध suspect (sandigdh) को obj (ko) हिरासत custody (hirāsat) में in (meṁ) लिया taken (liyā) गया was (gayā)
33.21 सोमवार Monday (somvār) तक by (tak) मौसम weather (mausam) साफ clear (sāf) होने being (hone) की of (kī) संभावना possibility (sambhāvanā) है is (hai)
33.22 सड़क Road (saṛak) के पास by (ke pās) नया new (nayā) अस्पताल hospital (aspatāl) खोला opened (kholā) जाएगा will-be (jāegā)
33.23 विशेषज्ञों Experts (viśeṣagyoṁ) के द्वारा by (ke dvārā) रिपोर्ट report (riporṭ) तैयार prepared (taiyār) की is (kī) जा being (jā) रही is (rahī) है is (hai)
33.24 हवाई Air (havāī) मार्ग route (mārg) से by (se) सामान goods (sāmān) भेजा sent (bhejā) जा being (jā) रहा is (rahā) है is (hai)
33.25 न्यायालय Court (nyāyālay) द्वारा by (dvārā) फैसला judgment (faisalā) सुनाया pronounced (sunāyā) गया was (gayā)
33.26 शनिवार Saturday (śanivār) तक by (tak) सभी all (sabhī) दुकानें shops (dukāneṁ) खुली open (khulī) रहेंगी will-remain (raheṅgī)
33.27 मंत्री Minister (mantrī) के द्वारा by (ke dvārā) बजट budget (bajaṭ) पेश presented (peś) किया was (kiyā) गया was (gayā)
33.28 भूकंप Earthquake (bhūkamp) से by (se) कई several (kaī) इमारतें buildings (imārateṁ) क्षतिग्रस्त damaged (kṣatigast) हुईं became (huīṁ)
33.29 समुद्र Sea (samudra) के पास by (ke pās) मछुआरों fishermen (machhuāroṁ) की of (kī) बस्ती settlement (bastī) है is (hai)
33.30 अगले Next (agle) महीने month (mahīne) तक by (tak) परियोजना project (pariyojanā) पूर्ण completed (pūrṇ) हो will (ho) जाएगी be (jāegī)
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33.16 प्रधानमंत्री द्वारा नई योजना की घोषणा की गई। A new scheme was announced by the Prime Minister.
33.17 बाढ़ से प्रभावित क्षेत्रों में राहत कार्य जारी है। Relief work continues in areas affected by floods.
33.18 चुनाव आयोग के द्वारा नए नियम जारी किए गए। New rules were issued by the Election Commission.
33.19 रेल से यात्रा करने वाले यात्रियों की संख्या बढ़ी है। The number of passengers traveling by train has increased.
33.20 पुलिस द्वारा संदिग्ध को हिरासत में लिया गया। The suspect was taken into custody by the police.
33.21 सोमवार तक मौसम साफ होने की संभावना है। The weather is likely to clear by Monday.
33.22 सड़क के पास नया अस्पताल खोला जाएगा। A new hospital will be opened by the road.
33.23 विशेषज्ञों के द्वारा रिपोर्ट तैयार की जा रही है। A report is being prepared by experts.
33.24 हवाई मार्ग से सामान भेजा जा रहा है। Goods are being sent by air.
33.25 न्यायालय द्वारा फैसला सुनाया गया। The judgment was pronounced by the court.
33.26 शनिवार तक सभी दुकानें खुली रहेंगी। All shops will remain open by Saturday.
33.27 मंत्री के द्वारा बजट पेश किया गया। The budget was presented by the minister.
33.28 भूकंप से कई इमारतें क्षतिग्रस्त हुईं। Several buildings were damaged by the earthquake.
33.29 समुद्र के पास मछुआरों की बस्ती है। There is a fishermen's settlement by the sea.
33.30 अगले महीने तक परियोजना पूर्ण हो जाएगी। The project will be completed by next month.
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33.16 प्रधानमंत्री द्वारा नई योजना की घोषणा की गई।
33.17 बाढ़ से प्रभावित क्षेत्रों में राहत कार्य जारी है।
33.18 चुनाव आयोग के द्वारा नए नियम जारी किए गए।
33.19 रेल से यात्रा करने वाले यात्रियों की संख्या बढ़ी है।
33.20 पुलिस द्वारा संदिग्ध को हिरासत में लिया गया।
33.21 सोमवार तक मौसम साफ होने की संभावना है।
33.22 सड़क के पास नया अस्पताल खोला जाएगा।
33.23 विशेषज्ञों के द्वारा रिपोर्ट तैयार की जा रही है।
33.24 हवाई मार्ग से सामान भेजा जा रहा है।
33.25 न्यायालय द्वारा फैसला सुनाया गया।
33.26 शनिवार तक सभी दुकानें खुली रहेंगी।
33.27 मंत्री के द्वारा बजट पेश किया गया।
33.28 भूकंप से कई इमारतें क्षतिग्रस्त हुईं।
33.29 समुद्र के पास मछुआरों की बस्ती है।
33.30 अगले महीने तक परियोजना पूर्ण हो जाएगी।
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In Hindi news reporting, the choice of postposition for "by" follows specific conventions:
News reports heavily favor द्वारा or के द्वारा when referring to: -
Government officials: प्रधानमंत्री द्वारा (by the Prime Minister) -
Official bodies: चुनाव आयोग के द्वारा (by the Election Commission) -
Courts: न्यायालय द्वारा (by the court) -
Formal announcements and decisions
This usage adds gravitas and formality appropriate to news discourse.
When reporting on natural events or their effects: -
बाढ़ से प्रभावित (affected by floods) -
भूकंप से क्षतिग्रस्त (damaged by earthquake) -
Natural causes use से rather than द्वारा
News reports frequently use तक for: -
Project completions: महीने तक (by month) -
Weather predictions: सोमवार तक (by Monday) -
Time-bound events: शनिवार तक (by Saturday)
Location-based reporting uses के पास: -
सड़क के पास (by the road) -
समुद्र के पास (by the sea) -
Indicates where something is situated
Hindi news heavily uses passive constructions: -
की गई (was done) - feminine -
किया गया (was done) - masculine -
किए गए (were done) - masculine plural
The agent is marked with द्वारा/के द्वारा in formal passive constructions, maintaining objectivity typical of news reporting.
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The Latinum Institute has been creating online language learning materials since 2006, pioneering the construed text method for modern language acquisition. Our approach, detailed at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk, bridges the gap between languages by presenting interleaved texts that allow learners to absorb vocabulary naturally while understanding grammatical structures.
This lesson exemplifies the Latinum method: beginning with carefully construed text where word order is adjusted for English speakers' comprehension, then progressing to natural Hindi syntax. This progression enables autodidactic learners to build confidence gradually while developing authentic language skills.
The construed text format in Part A allows beginners to see direct word-to-word correspondences, making vocabulary acquisition intuitive. Parts B and C present natural Hindi, reinforcing proper syntax. Part D provides comprehensive grammar explanations tailored for English speakers, while Parts E and F offer cultural and literary context essential for true language mastery.
Each lesson includes authentic literary excerpts and genre-specific sections, exposing learners to various registers of Hindi. The news reporting genre demonstrates formal Hindi usage, contrasting with conversational examples in the main lesson.
The Latinum Institute's commitment to comprehensive, untruncated lessons ensures that autodidacts have complete resources for self-study. Our materials have received positive reviews from learners worldwide, as evidenced at https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk.
This systematic approach, refined over nearly two decades, makes complex grammatical concepts accessible while maintaining academic rigor, enabling learners to progress from basic comprehension to authentic communication in their target language.
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