Signification
Saying that one is busy
Contexte culturel
In Marathi culture, being 'busy' is a very polite way to say 'no'. It's often preferred over a direct refusal which might be seen as 'unfriendly'. Pune is known as the 'Oxford of the East' and has a strong academic and professional culture. Saying 'Mala kaam aahe' is highly respected as it implies you are dedicated to your studies or job. In villages, 'kaam' often refers to field work. If someone says this during harvest season, it's a serious statement of unavailability. On social media, 'Busy' or 'Kaamat' is a common status. It's a way to signal that you are 'hustling' or simply unavailable for idle chat.
The 'Thoda' Trick
Always add 'thoda' (a little) before 'kaam' to sound more polite when refusing someone.
Avoid 'Mi'
Never start this phrase with 'Mi'. It's the most common beginner mistake.
Signification
Saying that one is busy
The 'Thoda' Trick
Always add 'thoda' (a little) before 'kaam' to sound more polite when refusing someone.
Avoid 'Mi'
Never start this phrase with 'Mi'. It's the most common beginner mistake.
WhatsApp Style
In texts, you can just say 'Kaam aahe' and omit the 'Mala' if the context is clear.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'I' in the dative case.
____ काम आहे. (I have work.)
Marathi uses the dative case 'Mala' for possession of work.
Which sentence means 'I have a lot of work'?
Choose the correct translation:
'Khup' means 'a lot'.
Complete the dialogue with a polite refusal.
A: उद्या फिरायला जाऊया का? B: नको, ____.
'Mala kaam aahe' is the standard present-tense excuse.
Match the Marathi phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the standard tense variations.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices____ काम आहे. (I have work.)
Marathi uses the dative case 'Mala' for possession of work.
Choose the correct translation:
'Khup' means 'a lot'.
A: उद्या फिरायला जाऊया का? B: नको, ____.
'Mala kaam aahe' is the standard present-tense excuse.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the standard tense variations.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it is generally neutral. However, adding 'thoda' (a little) or 'sorry' makes it much softer.
Not really. For a job/career, use 'Mi nokri karto' or 'Mazha vyavasay aahe'.
'Mala kaam aahe' means you have tasks to do. 'Mi kaamat aahe' means you are actively working right this second.
Say 'Mala kaam hota'.
It's common in 'Hinglish' style Marathi, but 'Mala kaam aahe' is the proper Marathi form.
Expressions liées
मला वेळ नाही
similarI don't have time
मी कामात आहे
similarI am in [the middle of] work
मला एक काम आहे
specialized formI have a task/favor
काम झालं
contrastWork is done
