Complete Guide to “Be Supposed To” with Examples in English and Hindi

Introduction to “Be Supposed To”

The phrase “be supposed to” is a versatile semi-modal construction used to express expectations, obligations, and intended purposes. This comprehensive guide explores its various uses, grammatical structures, and nuances with Hindi translations for clearer understanding.

Meaning and Usage (अर्थ और प्रयोग)

“Be supposed to” primarily expresses:

• Expectations (अपेक्षाएँ) – What people expect to happen
• Obligations (दायित्व) – What someone is required to do
• Intended Purpose (इरादा) – What something is meant for
• Common Beliefs (सामान्य धारणाएँ) – What people generally believe

Grammatical Structures (व्याकरणिक संरचनाएँ)

1. Present Tense

Structure: am/is/are + supposed to + base verb
Example:
You are supposed to wear formal clothes to work.
(आपको काम पर फॉर्मल कपड़े पहनने चाहिएँ।)

2. Past Tense

Structure: was/were + supposed to + base verb
Example:
The meeting was supposed to start at 10.
(मीटिंग 10 बजे शुरू होनी थी।)

3. Negative Form

Structure: am/is/are/was/were + not + supposed to + base verb
Example:
We’re not supposed to park here.
(हमें यहाँ पार्क नहीं करना चाहिए।)

4. Question Form

Structure: am/is/are/was/were + subject + supposed to + base verb?
Example:
What time am I supposed to arrive?
(मुझे कितने बजे पहुँचना चाहिए?)

Key Uses of “Be Supposed To”

1. Expressing Expectations (अपेक्षाएँ व्यक्त करना)

Used when something is expected to happen according to rules, plans, or norms.

Examples:

• The train is supposed to arrive at 8 PM.
  (ट्रेन को रात 8 बजे आनी चाहिए।)
• You were supposed to call me yesterday.
  (तुम्हें कल मुझे फोन करना था।)

2. Indicating Obligations (दायित्व दर्शाना)

Used for things people are required or expected to do.

Examples:

• Students are supposed to submit assignments on time.
  (छात्रों को असाइनमेंट समय पर जमा करने चाहिएँ।)
• Employees are supposed to follow company policies.
  (कर्मचारियों को कंपनी की नीतियों का पालन करना चाहिए।)

3. Showing Intended Purpose (उद्देश्य बताना)

Used to describe what something is meant for.

Examples:

• This medicine is supposed to relieve pain.
  (इस दवा का उद्देश्य दर्द से राहत देना है।)
• The app is supposed to simplify banking.
  (इस ऐप को बैंकिंग को सरल बनाना चाहिए।)

4. Expressing Common Beliefs (सामान्य मान्यताएँ)

Used for things people generally believe to be true.

Examples:

• Garlic is supposed to be good for immunity.
  (लहसुन प्रतिरक्षा के लिए अच्छा माना जाता है।)
• He is supposed to be the best doctor in town.
  (उसे शहर का सर्वश्रेष्ठ डॉक्टर माना जाता है।)

15 Practical Examples with Hindi Translations

S.No.	English Sentence	Hindi Translation
1.	I am supposed to meet the director today.	मुझे आज डायरेक्टर से मिलना है।
2.	The package was supposed to arrive yesterday.	पैकेज कल आना था।
3.	You’re not supposed to smoke here.	आपको यहाँ धूम्रपान नहीं करना चाहिए।
4.	What time are we supposed to check out?	हमें कितने बजे चेक आउट करना चाहिए?
5.	This machine is supposed to save energy.	इस मशीन को ऊर्जा बचानी चाहिए।
6.	She was supposed to call me back.	उसे मुझे वापस फोन करना था।
7.	Are we supposed to bring our own food?	क्या हमें अपना खाना लाना चाहिए?
8.	The movie was supposed to be great.	फिल्म शानदार होनी थी।
9.	You’re supposed to turn off your phone.	आपको अपना फोन बंद करना चाहिए।
10.	The meeting wasn’t supposed to last this long.	मीटिंग को इतनी देर तक नहीं चलना था।
11.	How was I supposed to know that?	मुझे यह कैसे पता चलना चाहिए था?
12.	This remedy is supposed to cure colds.	इस उपाय को जुकाम ठीक करना चाहिए।
13.	They were supposed to finish by Friday.	उन्हें शुक्रवार तक समाप्त करना था।
14.	Is this how it’s supposed to work?	क्या इसे इसी तरह काम करना चाहिए?
15.	We’re supposed to follow the guidelines.	हमें दिशानिर्देशों का पालन करना चाहिए।

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing with “should” (“should” is more about advice)
2. Using wrong verb forms (“be suppose to” is incorrect)
3. Overusing in place of simpler modals (“can”, “must”)
4. Forgetting the “be” verb in different tenses

Conclusion

“Be supposed to” is an essential construction for expressing expectations, obligations, and intended purposes in English. Its nuanced usage helps convey what is expected according to rules, norms, or plans. Mastering this phrase will make your English sound more natural and precise.

“Be supposed to” का सही प्रयोग आपकी अंग्रेज़ी को अधिक प्रभावी और सटीक बनाता है!
नियमित अभ्यास से आप इसका स्वाभाविक उपयोग सीख जाएँगे! 😊