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A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning. In Nepali, these are called सकर्मक क्रिया (Sakarmak Kriya). These verbs involve an action that is performed on something or someone, and without a direct object, the sentence becomes incomplete or lacks clarity.
Understanding the defining features of transitive verbs will help you identify them in sentences and use them correctly.
Every transitive verb requires a direct object to complete its meaning. Without the object, the sentence is incomplete or lacks clarity.
They can be used in different tenses (past, present, future) and conjugations according to the subject (first, second, or third person).
Many transitive verbs can also have an indirect object that receives the direct object or benefits from the action.
The direct object is the person or thing directly affected by the verb’s action. Here are key examples:
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Subject
उसले
(Usle – He/She)
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Direct Object
फुटबल
(Football)
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Verb
खेल्यो
(Played)
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Subject
मैले
(Maile – I)
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Direct Object
खाना
(Khana – Food)
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Verb
खाएँ
(Ate)
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The indirect object receives the direct object or benefits from the action. In Nepali, it is often marked with लाई (lai).
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Subject
मैले
(Maile – I)
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Indirect Object (with लाई)
भाइलाई
(Bhailai – To brother)
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Direct Object
किताब
(Kitab – Book)
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Verb
दिएँ
(Diyein – Gave)
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Subject
तिनले
(Tinle – They)
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Indirect Object (with लाई)
पाहुनालाई
(Pahunalai – To the guest)
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Direct Object
घर
(Ghar – House)
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Verb
देखाए
(Dekhaye – Showed)
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Work through these questions to deepen your understanding of transitive verbs:
Identify the direct object in: उसले खेल्यो। Can you complete this sentence with an appropriate object?
What is the difference between “खेल्यो” (played) and “उसले फुटबल खेल्यो” (He played football)? Why is the object important?
In “मैले भाइलाई किताब दिएँ।” identify the subject, indirect object, direct object, and verb. What role does लाई play?
Create three sentences using transitive verbs: one with only a direct object, and two with both direct and indirect objects.
Master transitive verbs and you’ll significantly enhance your ability to construct complete, meaningful sentences in Nepali!
Transitive verbs must have a direct object to complete their meaning. Without it, the sentence is incomplete or unclear.
Direct objects are directly affected by the verb. Indirect objects receive the direct object or benefit from the action, marked with लाई (lai).
Transitive verbs follow flexible sentence patterns and can be conjugated across all tenses and persons based on the subject.

