Signification
Calling out to stop a vehicle.
Contexte culturel
In Pune, rickshaw drivers are famous for their 'half-return' or refusal to go to certain areas. Saying 'thambva' politely might not always be enough; you might need to negotiate the destination first! Mumbai rickshaws (only in suburbs) strictly follow the meter. Shouting 'thambva' is very common in the fast-paced life of the city. In villages, 'Six-seater' rickshaws are common. You don't say 'thambva' to stop the whole vehicle for yourself, but to get off at your stop while others continue. Addressing a driver as 'Kaka' (Uncle) or 'Bhau' (Brother) is a sign of good upbringing (Sanskar). It humanizes the interaction.
The Hand Signal
In India, a palm facing down and moving slightly up and down is the universal sign for 'stop' or 'slow down' for vehicles.
Don't shout too late
Marathi drivers often drive fast in the middle of the road. Give them at least 5 seconds of warning before your stop.
Signification
Calling out to stop a vehicle.
The Hand Signal
In India, a palm facing down and moving slightly up and down is the universal sign for 'stop' or 'slow down' for vehicles.
Don't shout too late
Marathi drivers often drive fast in the middle of the road. Give them at least 5 seconds of warning before your stop.
Use 'Kaka'
Addressing the driver as 'Kaka' (Uncle) instantly builds rapport and makes them more likely to stop exactly where you want.
Check the Flag
Only say 'thambva' to rickshaws with the meter flag up (vertical) or the 'For Hire' light on.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the polite form of 'stop'.
काका, इथे रिक्षा _______.
'थांबवा' is the polite imperative form suitable for addressing a driver.
Which sentence is the most polite way to hail a rickshaw?
How do you call a rickshaw?
Adding 'Aho' and 'Kaka' makes the request very respectful.
Complete the dialogue.
Passenger: _______. Driver: हो, थांबवतो. किती झाले पैसे?
The driver's response 'हो, थांबवतो' (Yes, I am stopping) indicates the passenger asked to stop.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are 10 meters away from your house.
'Ithech' means 'right here', perfect for when you are at your exact destination.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Common Locations to Stop
Landmarks
- • Bank
- • School
- • Hospital
Directions
- • Corner
- • Signal
- • Gate
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesकाका, इथे रिक्षा _______.
'थांबवा' is the polite imperative form suitable for addressing a driver.
How do you call a rickshaw?
Adding 'Aho' and 'Kaka' makes the request very respectful.
Passenger: _______. Driver: हो, थांबवतो. किती झाले पैसे?
The driver's response 'हो, थांबवतो' (Yes, I am stopping) indicates the passenger asked to stop.
You are 10 meters away from your house.
'Ithech' means 'right here', perfect for when you are at your exact destination.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, 'Stop' is widely understood in urban Maharashtra, but 'Thambva' is much more polite and culturally appropriate.
It is neutral-to-formal. The '-va' suffix makes it respectful enough for any stranger.
Say 'Ithe thambva' (इथे थांबवा).
You can say 'Mavshi, thambva' (Auntie, stop) or just 'Riksha thambva'.
Shout 'Riksha thambva' louder and use your phone's flashlight to get attention.
Both are fine. 'Riksha' is more common in Marathi, while 'Auto' is more common in Hindi-influenced areas.
The singular is 'thamb' (थांब), but avoid using it with drivers.
Yes, just replace 'Riksha' with 'Taxi': 'Taxi thambva'.
Say 'Thodं pudhe thambva' (थोडं पुढे थांबवा).
'Aho' is a respectful prefix used to get someone's attention, like 'Excuse me'.
Not if the traffic is noisy. It's considered practical, not rude.
Say 'Ek minute thambva' (Stop for a minute).
The '-va' in 'thambva' already includes the 'please' sentiment, but you can add 'Krupaya' for extra politeness.
Say 'Gate-pashi thambva' (गेटपाशी थांबवा).
Expressions liées
रिक्षा भाडे
similarRickshaw fare
मीटर डाऊन
builds onStart the meter
पूडच्या सिग्नलला
specialized formAt the next signal
यू-टर्न घ्या
similarTake a U-turn
हळू चालवा
similarDrive slowly
इथेच
builds onRight here
