Signification
Asking for a short pause.
Contexte culturel
The 'One Minute' rule is rarely literal. It is a polite way of saying 'I am busy but I acknowledge you.' Expect a wait of 2-5 minutes. In offices, 'Ek minit' is often used to interrupt a senior politely. It must be said with a slight bow of the head or a hand gesture. In crowded trains, 'Ek minit' is used to ask someone to move so you can reach the door. It's often shortened to just 'Minit, minit!' On WhatsApp, Marathi speakers often type '1 min' or 'ek min' to indicate they are currently typing a longer response.
The Finger Gesture
Holding up your index finger while saying 'Ek minit' is very common and reinforces your message.
Don't be too literal
If someone says 'Ek minit', don't actually expect them in 60 seconds. Be patient!
Signification
Asking for a short pause.
The Finger Gesture
Holding up your index finger while saying 'Ek minit' is very common and reinforces your message.
Don't be too literal
If someone says 'Ek minit', don't actually expect them in 60 seconds. Be patient!
Softening the request
Add 'Jara' (just) before 'Ek minit' to sound much more polite and native-like.
The 'Coming' Rule
Often paired with 'Alo' (I came/I'm coming). 'Ek minit, alo!' is the standard way to say 'I'll be right there!'
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to ask someone to wait politely.
____ मिनिट थांबा, मी बघतो.
'एक मिनिट' is the standard expression for 'just a moment'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: जेवण तयार आहे का? B: नाही, ____ मिनिट लागेल.
In a casual context, 'एक मिनिट' implies it's almost ready.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are on the phone and someone knocks on your door.
This explains why you are pausing the phone conversation.
Which one is the most formal way to say 'Wait a minute'?
Choose the correct option:
'Krupaya' (Please) and the plural verb 'Thamba' make it very formal.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say 'Ek Minit'
Phone
- • Incoming call
- • Finding a pen
- • Checking battery
Social
- • Interrupting
- • Asking to wait
- • Leaving a room
Shopping
- • Finding change
- • Checking price
- • Picking an item
Banque d exercices
4 exercices____ मिनिट थांबा, मी बघतो.
'एक मिनिट' is the standard expression for 'just a moment'.
A: जेवण तयार आहे का? B: नाही, ____ मिनिट लागेल.
In a casual context, 'एक मिनिट' implies it's almost ready.
You are on the phone and someone knocks on your door.
This explains why you are pausing the phone conversation.
Choose the correct option:
'Krupaya' (Please) and the plural verb 'Thamba' make it very formal.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. It can be used with friends, family, and even in many professional settings.
Yes, but 'Ek minit' is the set idiomatic expression for 'wait a moment'. 'Don minit' sounds more literal.
'Ek minit' is more modern and casual; 'Jara thamba' is more traditional Marathi.
You can say 'Ek sekand' (एक सेकंद).
It's better to say 'Krupaya ek minit thamba' (Please wait a minute) to show respect.
No, 'minit' is a masculine noun and the phrase remains the same regardless of who is speaking.
This is a cultural habit where 'one minute' signifies the start of the process, not the literal duration.
Yes, '1 min' or 'ek min' is very common in Marathi texting.
The plural is 'minite' (मिनिटे).
Not exactly for 60 seconds, but 'Kshan' (moment) was used historically.
Expressions liées
जरा थांबा
synonymWait a bit
एक सेकंद
similarOne second
लवकर
contrastQuickly
वेळ
builds onTime
एका मिनिटात आलो
specialized formBack in a minute
