15초 만에
- Use it to decline offers of food, items, or services.
- Add 'ji' at the end to make it more polite.
- Place the item you don't want before the phrase.
뜻
This is your go-to way to say 'I don't want it' or 'I don't need it.' Use it to politely decline an offer or stop someone from giving you more of something.
주요 예문
3 / 6Declining more food at a friend's house
Nahi chahiye, mera pet bhar gaya hai.
I don't want it, my stomach is full.
Refusing a plastic bag at a store
Bag nahi chahiye, dhanyawad.
I don't want a bag, thank you.
Telling a pushy street vendor you aren't interested
Bhaiya, nahi chahiye.
Brother, I don't want it.
문화적 배경
Hosts will often insist you eat more. Saying 'nahī̃ cāhiye' once is usually seen as a polite formality, not a real refusal. In markets, 'nahī̃ cāhiye' is a powerful bargaining tool. Walking away while saying it often results in the vendor dropping the price. When refusing something from a boss or elder, it's common to give a reason why you don't want it to soften the blow. It is generally considered impolite to say 'nahī̃ cāhiye' to Prasad (blessed food). If you can't eat it, take a tiny bit with your right hand.
The Palm Gesture
In India, a small hand gesture (palm facing the person) combined with 'nahī̃ cāhiye' is much more effective than the words alone.
Tone Matters
Saying it with a rising intonation can sound like a question or hesitation. Keep your voice flat and firm for a clear refusal.
15초 만에
- Use it to decline offers of food, items, or services.
- Add 'ji' at the end to make it more polite.
- Place the item you don't want before the phrase.
What It Means
Nahi chahiye is the ultimate refusal phrase in Hindi. It literally translates to 'not needed.' You use it when someone offers you something you don't want. It is simple, direct, and incredibly common. Think of it as your personal 'no thank you' button.
How To Use It
You place the subject (what you don't want) first. Then you add nahi chahiye. For example, Chai nahi chahiye means 'I don't want tea.' If you want to be extra polite, add ji at the end. It works for physical objects, services, or even abstract ideas. It is a very versatile phrase for everyday life.
When To Use It
Use it at a restaurant when the waiter offers more water. Use it while shopping when a vendor is being too pushy. It is perfect for texting friends when they suggest a plan you dislike. It is also great for declining extra help at work. Basically, if the answer is 'no' to an offer, this is your phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it to say 'no' to a yes/no question. If someone asks 'Are you hungry?', don't say nahi chahiye. Use it only when an object or action is being offered. Also, avoid using it with elders without adding a polite ji. It can sound a bit blunt or rude if snapped quickly. Use a soft tone to keep things friendly.
Cultural Background
In India, hospitality is huge, so people will keep offering you food. You will likely say nahi chahiye at least ten times at an Indian dinner. It is a survival tool for guest etiquette. Indians often say it while placing a hand over their plate. This physical gesture reinforces the verbal refusal. It shows you are full and satisfied, not ungrateful.
Common Variations
Mujhe nahi chahiye means 'I specifically don't want it.' Bilkul nahi chahiye means 'I don't want it at all.' If you are feeling casual with friends, you might just say nahi re. For a very formal setting, use Nahi chahiye, dhanyawad. Adding 'thank you' (dhanyawad) makes the refusal much smoother. You will hear these variations everywhere from Mumbai streets to Delhi offices.
사용 참고사항
The phrase is grammatically neutral but can sound abrupt if said too loudly. Always pair it with a smile or a 'ji' when speaking to someone older or in a position of authority.
The Palm Gesture
In India, a small hand gesture (palm facing the person) combined with 'nahī̃ cāhiye' is much more effective than the words alone.
Tone Matters
Saying it with a rising intonation can sound like a question or hesitation. Keep your voice flat and firm for a clear refusal.
The 'Ji' Rule
When in doubt, add 'Ji'. 'Nahi chahiye ji' is never rude, whereas 'Nahi chahiye' can sometimes be too blunt.
예시
6Nahi chahiye, mera pet bhar gaya hai.
I don't want it, my stomach is full.
A very common way to stop a host from serving more.
Bag nahi chahiye, dhanyawad.
I don't want a bag, thank you.
Standard polite refusal in a commercial setting.
Bhaiya, nahi chahiye.
Brother, I don't want it.
Firm but respectful way to end a sales pitch.
Ye movie nahi chahiye, kuch aur dekhte hain.
Don't want this movie, let's watch something else.
Casual use among peers to reject a suggestion.
Mujhe karela nahi chahiye!
I don't want bitter gourd!
Shows the phrase used for strong personal dislike.
Mujhe ye promotion nahi chahiye.
I do not want this promotion.
Direct and serious refusal in a professional context.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the blank to say 'I don't want water.'
मुझे पानी _______।
'नहीं चाहिए' is the correct way to express that you don't want something.
Which of these is the most polite way to refuse an offer from an elder?
Select the best option:
Adding 'jī' and 'śukriyā' (thanks) makes the refusal respectful.
Complete the dialogue between a vendor and a customer.
Vendor: 'यह आम ले लीजिये, बहुत मीठे हैं!' Customer: 'नहीं, _______।'
The customer is declining the offer of mangoes.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A telemarketer calls you.
This is the standard way to decline a service over the phone.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Common Things to Refuse
Food
- • Chai
- • Roti
- • Pani
Services
- • Auto
- • Help
- • Guide
Items
- • Bag
- • Shirt
- • Toy
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제मुझे पानी _______।
'नहीं चाहिए' is the correct way to express that you don't want something.
Select the best option:
Adding 'jī' and 'śukriyā' (thanks) makes the refusal respectful.
Vendor: 'यह आम ले लीजिये, बहुत मीठे हैं!' Customer: 'नहीं, _______।'
The customer is declining the offer of mangoes.
Situation: A telemarketer calls you.
This is the standard way to decline a service over the phone.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Not inherently. It depends on your tone. To be safe, add 'jī' or 'śukriyā'.
No, it sounds like you are buying them. Use 'pasand nahī̃' (don't like) for people.
'Nahī̃ mangta' is Mumbai slang. 'Nahī̃ cāhiye' is standard Hindi.
Say 'Mujhe kuch nahī̃ cāhiye'.
No, in spoken Hindi, it's often dropped if the context is clear.
Add 'thā' at the end: 'nahī̃ cāhiye thā'.
No, for actions, you use the infinitive verb + 'nahī̃ cāhiye'. e.g., 'Mujhe nahī̃ jānā'.
Say 'Nahī̃ cāhiye' more firmly and avoid eye contact.
Just saying 'Nahī̃' or 'Bas' with a hand gesture often works.
No, 'cāhiye' is a fixed form. It stays the same for one or many things.
관련 표현
बस
similarEnough
रहने दीजिये
similarLet it be
ज़रूरत नहीं है
synonymThere is no need
नहीं लेना
similarNot taking
