Signification
To be less harsh or strict.
Contexte culturel
Bargaining is not just about money; it's a social interaction. Using this phrase shows you understand the 'rules of the game'. The 'strict father' and 'lenient mother' is a common trope where the mother often uses this phrase to protect children. In 'Gully Cricket' (street cricket), there are unwritten rules about not bowling too fast at younger kids. Satirists often use this phrase to mock politicians who 'keep their hand light' on corruption but heavy on the public.
The 'Local' Secret
Using 'Hola' instead of 'Halka' instantly makes you sound like you've lived in Pakistan for years. It's a great rapport builder.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every single thing, it loses its power. Save it for when you actually need a break or a discount.
Signification
To be less harsh or strict.
The 'Local' Secret
Using 'Hola' instead of 'Halka' instantly makes you sound like you've lived in Pakistan for years. It's a great rapport builder.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every single thing, it loses its power. Save it for when you actually need a break or a discount.
Body Language
When saying this, a slight tilt of the head and a friendly smile help convey that you are asking for a favor, not making a demand.
Gender Neutral
The phrase doesn't change based on the gender of the person you are talking to, which makes it easy to remember!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
بھائی، میں غریب آدمی ہوں، قیمت پر تھوڑا ______۔
In a bargaining context, 'haath hola rakhen' is the only appropriate phrase for asking for a discount.
Match the situation to the correct use of the phrase.
Situation: A teacher is giving a very long homework assignment.
Asking a teacher to reduce the workload is a classic 'haath hola rakhna' moment.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a figurative sense?
Select the correct sentence:
This correctly uses the phrase to mean showing leniency in a professional setting.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'آج بہت گرمی ہے، کام بہت زیادہ ہے۔' B: 'ہاں، باس کو چاہیے کہ ______۔'
B is suggesting the boss should be lenient due to the heat and heavy workload.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Hola vs. Khula
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesبھائی، میں غریب آدمی ہوں، قیمت پر تھوڑا ______۔
In a bargaining context, 'haath hola rakhen' is the only appropriate phrase for asking for a discount.
Situation: A teacher is giving a very long homework assignment.
Asking a teacher to reduce the workload is a classic 'haath hola rakhna' moment.
Select the correct sentence:
This correctly uses the phrase to mean showing leniency in a professional setting.
A: 'آج بہت گرمی ہے، کام بہت زیادہ ہے۔' B: 'ہاں، باس کو چاہیے کہ ______۔'
B is suggesting the boss should be lenient due to the heat and heavy workload.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it's a colloquial/dialectal variation of 'Halka' (light). It's widely understood across Pakistan and North India.
Yes, but in a semi-informal way. For example, if you're overwhelmed with work, you can say it with a smile.
'Halka' is standard; 'Hola' is more informal and common in street slang.
No, you wouldn't say a bag is 'hola'. You would use 'halka' for that.
Not if said with the right tone. It's a plea for leniency, not an insult.
No, it means 'continue, but with less intensity'.
It's rare, but you could use it if your partner is being too critical of you.
Namak par haath hola rakhna.
The phrase stays the same, only the verb 'rakhna' changes (e.g., 'rakhen' for multiple people).
'Haath sakht rakhna' (to keep the hand strict/hard).
Expressions liées
ہاتھ ہلکا رکھنا
synonymStandard version of the phrase.
رعایت کرنا
similarTo show concession or leniency.
نرمی برتنا
similarTo behave gently.
ہاتھ کھینچ کر رکھنا
contrastTo be stingy or hold back money.
ہاتھ صاف کرنا
contrastTo steal or to finish something off.
