Signification
Asking why someone is calling/visiting.
Contexte culturel
In business, getting to the 'kaam' quickly is a sign of respect for the other person's busy schedule. Small talk is often kept to a minimum. In villages, the phrase is often used as a way of looking out for one another. If someone is standing near your field, you ask 'Shu kaam che?' to see if they need help. In the fast-paced city life, this phrase is used almost like a 'Yes?' or 'Next?' in service queues. Among Gujaratis in the UK or USA, this phrase is often mixed with English: 'Shu kaam che, tell me?'
The 'Bolo' Buffer
Always start with 'Bolo' (Tell me) to sound more polite and welcoming.
Intonation Matters
A rising intonation at the end makes it a question; a flat, fast tone can sound like you are annoyed.
Signification
Asking why someone is calling/visiting.
The 'Bolo' Buffer
Always start with 'Bolo' (Tell me) to sound more polite and welcoming.
Intonation Matters
A rising intonation at the end makes it a question; a flat, fast tone can sound like you are annoyed.
Phone Etiquette
If you call someone and they say 'Shu kaam che?', don't be offended. They are just asking for the reason for your call.
The 'Kaam' Logic
Gujaratis value utility. If you have 'kaam', you are important!
Teste-toi
Choose the most appropriate response when a stranger knocks on your door.
Someone knocks on your door. You say:
While 'Tame kon?' (Who are you?) is possible, 'Shu kaam che?' is the standard way to ask why they are there.
Complete the sentence to ask 'What do you need from me?'
તારે ____ શું કામ છે?
'Maaru' (mine/from me) is used here to indicate the person the work is related to.
Complete the phone conversation.
A: હેલો, રમેશભાઈ? B: હા, બોલો. ______?
In a functional call, 'Shu kaam che' follows 'Bolo'.
Match the phrase to the tone.
Match: 1. 'Bolo, shu kaam che?' 2. 'Tare shu kaam che?!'
Adding 'Bolo' and using formal 'Tamare' (implied) is helpful; 'Tare' with sharp intonation is annoyed.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSomeone knocks on your door. You say:
While 'Tame kon?' (Who are you?) is possible, 'Shu kaam che?' is the standard way to ask why they are there.
તારે ____ શું કામ છે?
'Maaru' (mine/from me) is used here to indicate the person the work is related to.
A: હેલો, રમેશભાઈ? B: હા, બોલો. ______?
In a functional call, 'Shu kaam che' follows 'Bolo'.
Match: 1. 'Bolo, shu kaam che?' 2. 'Tare shu kaam che?!'
Adding 'Bolo' and using formal 'Tamare' (implied) is helpful; 'Tare' with sharp intonation is annoyed.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is generally neutral. However, with elders, add 'Bolo' or use 'Tamare' to be safer.
Not exactly. 'What's up' is more like 'Shu chale che?'. 'Shu kaam che' is specifically 'What do you need?'.
Start with 'Mane...' (I need...) or 'Aa...' (This...). For example: 'Mane tamari madad joie che' (I need your help).
'Shu che' is very informal and can be blunt (like 'What?'). 'Shu kaam che' is more specific and standard.
It's better to use 'Aa patra lakhvano hetu...' (The purpose of writing this letter...) in formal emails.
It is neuter in Gujarati.
Say 'Mare kai kaam nathi'.
Yes, if you are approaching them for a doubt, you can say 'Sir, mare tamaru kaam che'.
No, for that use 'Tame shu naukri karo cho?'.
It means 'Are you busy/working?'.
Expressions liées
શું થયું?
similarWhat happened?
કેમ છો?
contrastHow are you?
કંઈ કામ હતું?
specialized formWas there some work?
કામ પત્યું?
builds onIs the work finished?
નકામું
similarUseless
