Signification
Asking for repetition.
Contexte culturel
In Pakistan, using 'Aap' and formal verbs is a sign of good 'Khandani' (family) background. Even if you are angry, maintaining this level of Urdu can often de-escalate a situation. Lucknow is the heart of 'Pehle Aap' (You first) culture. Here, the phrase might be even longer: 'اگر آپ کی ذرہ نوازی ہو تو دوبارہ ارشاد فرمائیں۔' (If you would be so kind, please speak again.) In modern offices in Karachi or Islamabad, English is common, but switching to formal Urdu for a request like this shows a high level of professional respect. Urdu speakers in the UK or USA often use this phrase to keep the language 'pure' and formal when teaching the next generation.
The 'Ji' Shortcut
If the full phrase is too long, a rising 'Ji?' (Yes?) works as a polite 'Pardon?' in 90% of situations.
Eye Contact
In Urdu culture, when asking for a repeat, look slightly down or maintain soft eye contact to show humility.
Signification
Asking for repetition.
The 'Ji' Shortcut
If the full phrase is too long, a rising 'Ji?' (Yes?) works as a polite 'Pardon?' in 90% of situations.
Eye Contact
In Urdu culture, when asking for a repeat, look slightly down or maintain soft eye contact to show humility.
The Head Nod
A slight tilt of the head while saying this phrase adds to the politeness.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase polite.
براہِ _______ دوبارہ کہیں۔
'Meharbani' is the key word for 'please' in this formal context.
Which verb ending is correct for a formal request?
براہِ مہربانی دوبارہ _____
'-ein' is the formal ending used with 'Aap'.
Complete the dialogue in a noisy office.
Boss: 'کل میٹنگ نو بجے ہے۔' You: 'معاف کیجیے گا، _________'
In an office with a boss, the formal phrase is necessary.
Match the phrase to the person you are talking to.
1. Grandmother, 2. Best Friend, 3. Shopkeeper
Grandmother gets the most formal, friend the slang, shopkeeper neutral-formal.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ways to ask for repetition
Formal
- • براہِ مہربانی دوبارہ کہیں
- • دوبارہ کہیے گا
Neutral
- • جی؟
- • معاف کیجیے گا؟
Informal
- • پھر سے بولنا
- • کیا کہا؟
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesبراہِ _______ دوبارہ کہیں۔
'Meharbani' is the key word for 'please' in this formal context.
براہِ مہربانی دوبارہ _____
'-ein' is the formal ending used with 'Aap'.
Boss: 'کل میٹنگ نو بجے ہے۔' You: 'معاف کیجیے گا، _________'
In an office with a boss, the formal phrase is necessary.
1. Grandmother, 2. Best Friend, 3. Shopkeeper
Grandmother gets the most formal, friend the slang, shopkeeper neutral-formal.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, but it's more formal. 'Please' can also be 'Meharbani karke'.
Absolutely, it is the most appropriate phrase for a student to use with a teacher.
Saying just 'Dobara' (Again) sounds like a command given to a servant. Always add a verb.
'Kahein' is the subjunctive (more formal/request), 'Kahiye' is the polite imperative. Both are acceptable.
Expressions liées
معاف کیجیے گا
similarExcuse me / I'm sorry
دوبارہ کہیے
specialized formSay it again (neutral)
سمجھ نہیں آئی
builds onI didn't understand
پھر سے
synonymAgain
