V + लेना (Done for self)
The action benefits the doer themselves — 'ate it up (for myself)', 'took it'
Example
मैंने खा लिया
I ate (it all up, for myself)
Usage Notes
The action is completed and benefits you. Compare with V + देना, where the benefit goes to someone else. This लेना/देना distinction is a key feature of Hindi compound verbs.
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Related — Compound Verbs
Adds a sense of 'completely' or 'gone' — the action is fully finished
The action is done for someone else's benefit — 'told (them)', 'gave (away)'
Something happened suddenly or unexpectedly — 'burst out laughing', 'fell asleep'
A sudden burst of action — 'burst into tears', 'suddenly started'
Something done carelessly or by mistake — 'ended up doing', 'accidentally did'