Signification
Asking if someone has time to talk or help.
Contexte culturel
In Pakistan, it's common to ask this even if you can see the person is busy. It's a ritual of politeness called 'Takalluf'. The use of 'Aap' is extremely strict. Using 'Tum' with someone older can be seen as a major sign of disrespect. In modern tech hubs like Bangalore or Karachi, 'Free hain?' is replacing 'Masroof hain?' among younger employees. During prayer times, people are expected to be 'masroof' in worship, and it's considered rude to interrupt.
The 'Kya' Rule
Always start your questions with 'Kya' to sound like a natural A1 learner.
The 'Aap' Trap
Never use 'Tum' with your boss, even if they are friendly. Stick to 'Aap'.
Signification
Asking if someone has time to talk or help.
The 'Kya' Rule
Always start your questions with 'Kya' to sound like a natural A1 learner.
The 'Aap' Trap
Never use 'Tum' with your boss, even if they are friendly. Stick to 'Aap'.
Softening the Blow
Add 'Thoda' (a little) before 'masroof' to sound more polite when saying NO.
WhatsApp Etiquette
Send this phrase as a text before calling someone in Pakistan.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct formal version of 'Are you busy?'
Which one is correct for a boss?
'Aap' and 'Hain' are the formal markers required for a boss.
Fill in the missing word.
کیا آپ ______ ہیں؟
'Masroof' completes the phrase 'Are you busy?'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: کیا آپ مصروف ہیں؟ B: _________۔
The response should directly answer the question about being busy.
Match the phrase to the person.
Match 'کیا تم مصروف ہو؟' to the right person.
'Tum' is informal and appropriate for a younger sibling.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Aap vs Tum
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWhich one is correct for a boss?
'Aap' and 'Hain' are the formal markers required for a boss.
کیا آپ ______ ہیں؟
'Masroof' completes the phrase 'Are you busy?'.
A: کیا آپ مصروف ہیں؟ B: _________۔
The response should directly answer the question about being busy.
Match 'کیا تم مصروف ہو؟' to the right person.
'Tum' is informal and appropriate for a younger sibling.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, in urban areas this is very common and understood.
'Masroof' is everyday language; 'Mashghool' is formal and literary.
Yes, 'masroof' does not change for male or female speakers.
Say 'Main masroof hoon'.
Yes, but use 'Aap' to show respect.
Say 'Aap kyun masroof ہیں؟' (Aap kyun masroof hain?).
It can be. It's better to say 'Main thoda masroof hoon' (I am a little busy).
In standard Urdu, yes. In casual speech, it can be omitted if the tone is rising.
The word 'masroof' stays the same; only the auxiliary verb 'hain' indicates plurality.
Say 'Kya aap kal masroof thay?'.
Mostly people. For a busy road, you would use 'pur-hujoom' (crowded).
'Farigh' (free/unoccupied).
Expressions liées
فارغ ہونا
contrastTo be free/not busy
وقت ہونا
similarTo have time
مشغول ہونا
synonymTo be occupied
کام میں ہونا
similarTo be in work
تنگ کرنا
builds onTo disturb
