Signification
A polite inquiry about someone's identity.
Contexte culturel
In Maharashtra, addressing an elder with 'Tu' is considered a major social faux pas. Even if you are angry, maintaining 'Aapan' or 'Tumhi' is seen as a sign of superior character. Pune is known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra. The 'Puneri' style of speaking is famous for being extremely formal and sometimes sarcastically polite. 'Aapan' is used here with surgical precision. In rural Maharashtra, 'Aapan' is often used to mean 'We' (inclusive). However, in urban, standard Marathi, it is almost exclusively the honorific 'You'. In Marathi-speaking offices, 'Aapan' is used to bridge the gap between colleagues of different ages, even if they are at the same rank.
The 'Aapan' Safety Net
When in doubt, always use 'Aapan'. No one in Maharashtra will be offended by too much respect, but many will be offended by too little.
The Sarcasm Trap
Be careful with your tone. If said too flatly or sharply, it can sound like you are annoyed that the person is bothering you.
Signification
A polite inquiry about someone's identity.
The 'Aapan' Safety Net
When in doubt, always use 'Aapan'. No one in Maharashtra will be offended by too much respect, but many will be offended by too little.
The Sarcasm Trap
Be careful with your tone. If said too flatly or sharply, it can sound like you are annoyed that the person is bothering you.
Body Language
A slight nod of the head while saying this phrase doubles its effectiveness and politeness.
Verb Agreement
Always remember that 'Aapan' takes the same verb form as 'Tumhi' (plural).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct formal pronoun.
_______ कोण आहात?
While 'Tumhi' is also possible, 'Aapan' is the most formal choice provided.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask a stranger their identity?
Select the best option:
'Aapan' combined with 'aahat' is the peak of formal Marathi etiquette.
Match the phrase to the person you are speaking to.
1. Younger brother, 2. Unknown elderly man, 3. Close friend
Use 'Tu' for younger family and friends, and 'Aapan' for elderly strangers.
Complete the phone conversation.
A: नमस्कार. B: नमस्कार, _______ कोण आहात?
When answering a phone, 'Aapan' is the standard polite way to ask who is calling.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
The Three Levels of 'You' in Marathi
Banque d exercices
4 exercices_______ कोण आहात?
While 'Tumhi' is also possible, 'Aapan' is the most formal choice provided.
Select the best option:
'Aapan' combined with 'aahat' is the peak of formal Marathi etiquette.
1. Younger brother, 2. Unknown elderly man, 3. Close friend
Use 'Tu' for younger family and friends, and 'Aapan' for elderly strangers.
A: नमस्कार. B: नमस्कार, _______ कोण आहात?
When answering a phone, 'Aapan' is the standard polite way to ask who is calling.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'Aapan' is the highest level of formal address in Marathi, often used for strangers or people of very high status.
Yes, but only when the verb ending is different (e.g., 'Aapan aahot' means 'We are'). In 'Aapan kon aahat', it strictly means 'You'.
No, it is the most polite way to ask. However, asking 'Tu kon aahes?' to a stranger is considered very rude.
You should reply with 'मी [Your Name] आहे' (Mi [Name] aahe).
Yes, 'Aapan' can be used for a group of people you are addressing formally.
Use 'Aapan' to be safe. It is the standard 'stranger' protocol.
Yes, though Mumbai Marathi is more influenced by Hindi, 'Aapan' remains the standard for formal Marathi speakers.
Yes, it is very appropriate for formal correspondence.
No, 'Kon' (Who) is the same for men, women, and groups.
Bollywood 'Apun' is a slang version of 'Aapan' used in Mumbai street dialect (Tapori), but it means 'I'. Don't confuse it with the formal 'Aapan'!
Expressions liées
आपली ओळख?
similarYour identity?
तुम्ही कोण आहात?
similarWho are you?
तू कोण आहेस?
contrastWho are you?
आपण कोठून आलात?
builds onWhere have you come from?
आपण काय करता?
builds onWhat do you do?
