V-ने + लगना (Start doing)

Shows the beginning of an action — 'started to rain', 'began to cry'

Example

बारिश होने लगी

It started raining

Usage Notes

Note the structure: the main verb takes the oblique infinitive form (V-ने), not the stem. So it's खाने लगा (started eating), not खा लगा. Don't confuse this with the verb लगना on its own, which means "to seem" or "to feel."

Automatically detected by the Desi Lingo browser extension when you click Hindi words on any webpage.

Related — Compound Verbs

V + जाना (Completely done)

Adds a sense of 'completely' or 'gone' — the action is fully finished

V + लेना (Done for self)

The action benefits the doer themselves — 'ate it up (for myself)', 'took it'

V + देना (Done for others)

The action is done for someone else's benefit — 'told (them)', 'gave (away)'

V + पड़ना (Suddenly)

Something happened suddenly or unexpectedly — 'burst out laughing', 'fell asleep'

V + उठना (Burst into)

A sudden burst of action — 'burst into tears', 'suddenly started'

All Grammar Points