Hindi/Urdu: subjunctive with indefinite or nonexistent antecedents

[amiramir]

Hello,

In French and Spanish (but not German or English), the subjunctive is usually (but not always) required when referring to nonexistent or indefinite antecedents. For example, in both languages, the following sentences would often require the subjunctive:

• I am looking for a wife who earns a lot of money.
• I don't know anyone who speaks good English.

Often times I hear the subjunctive used in Hindi/Urdu in this context, but I'm not sure if this is a hard and fast rule, or whether it optional, or whether I'm making it up.

Do you say:

• Main ek aisi bibi/biwi dhund rahaa huN jo bahut paise kamaati ho (or kamaaye?) (i.e instead of kamaati hai)
• Main kisiko nahiN jaanta jisko achchhi angrezi aati ho (i.e. instead of aati hai)

Many thanks.

 

[littlepond]

^ Yes. (but not "kamaaye")

In the 2nd sentence, "MaiN aise kisii ko ..."

 

[amiramir]

Thanks, LPji. Also for the correction to my second sentence. I would have gone the rest of my life saying, 'main kisiko nahiN...' without the aise

 

[littlepond]

^ My pleasure.