Signification
Asking someone to move aside
Contexte culturel
In Pakistan, saying 'Bhai' (Brother) or 'Uncle' before 'Rasta dein' is crucial. It establishes a familial bond that makes the request sound like a favor rather than a command. In cities like Lucknow, you might hear 'Pehle aap' (You first) culture. Even when asking for 'rasta', the tone is extremely soft and apologetic. Younger generations in cities like Islamabad or Karachi often mix English. 'Side please' is just as common as 'Rasta دیں'. During Friday prayers or religious gatherings, 'Rasta dena' is seen as a 'Sawab' (pious act). People will often proactively move to help others pass.
The Hand Gesture
When saying 'Rasta dein', a slight vertical wave of the hand or a gentle touch on the shoulder (same gender only) is common.
Gender Sensitivity
Men should avoid touching women to get their attention for 'rasta'. Use a respectful 'Baji' or 'Aapa' instead.
Signification
Asking someone to move aside
The Hand Gesture
When saying 'Rasta dein', a slight vertical wave of the hand or a gentle touch on the shoulder (same gender only) is common.
Gender Sensitivity
Men should avoid touching women to get their attention for 'rasta'. Use a respectful 'Baji' or 'Aapa' instead.
The 'Zara' Magic
Adding 'zara' (just/a bit) before 'rasta' makes the request 50% more polite instantly.
Eye Contact
In a very crowded bazaar, eye contact isn't always necessary; the verbal cue is enough.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to make the request polite.
بھائی صاحب، ذرا ______ دیں۔
'Rasta' is the word for path/way, making the sentence 'Brother, please give way'.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal office setting?
Asking your boss to let you pass in the hallway:
'Dijiye ga' is the most formal and respectful form.
Complete the dialogue in the metro.
Passenger: ______ میرا سٹیشن آ گیا ہے۔ Other: جی، میں سائیڈ پر ہوتا ہوں۔
The passenger needs to pass because their station has arrived.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are driving and an ambulance is behind you.
You must give way to an ambulance.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Politeness Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesبھائی صاحب، ذرا ______ دیں۔
'Rasta' is the word for path/way, making the sentence 'Brother, please give way'.
Asking your boss to let you pass in the hallway:
'Dijiye ga' is the most formal and respectful form.
Passenger: ______ میرا سٹیشن آ گیا ہے۔ Other: جی، میں سائیڈ پر ہوتا ہوں۔
The passenger needs to pass because their station has arrived.
Situation: You are driving and an ambulance is behind you.
You must give way to an ambulance.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it is neutral. However, your tone of voice matters. A harsh tone can make it sound like a command.
Yes, it's used for both pedestrians and vehicles.
'Rasta' is common and colloquial. 'Rah' is poetic and formal.
You can say 'Maaf kijiye ga' followed by 'Rasta dein'.
It's better to use 'Rasta dein' to be polite to service staff.
Say 'Emergency hai, rasta dein!' (It's an emergency, give way!)
Yes, in almost all urban areas of Pakistan and India.
No, that would be 'Rasta nikalna' (finding a way) or 'Hath garam karna'.
Use 'Rasta bata dein' (Tell me the way).
Both are correct. 'Rasta' (رستہ) is more common in speech, 'Raasta' (راستہ) is more formal in writing.
Raste (رستے).
Yes, in a professional context: 'Mujhe kaam karne ka rasta dein'.
Expressions liées
جگہ دیں
similarGive space
سائیڈ دیں
synonymGive side
معاف کیجیے گا
builds onExcuse me / Forgive me
رستہ دکھائیں
contrastShow the way
گزرنے دیں
synonymLet [me] pass
