Meaning
Performing a task or job.
Cultural Background
In the business-heavy culture of Gujarat, 'kām' is often synonymous with 'business' or 'trade'. When someone says they are 'going for work', they often mean they are going to their shop or office to conduct trade. While 'kām' is for daily tasks, 'Seva' is the term used for work done in temples or for the community. It is a higher form of 'kām' that is done without ego. It is considered polite to ask about someone's work when meeting after a long time. Using the phrase 'Kām-kāj kevu chale che?' is a standard icebreaker. Traditionally, 'Ghar nu kām' (housework) was associated with women, but modern Gujarati urban culture is rapidly shifting toward shared responsibilities.
The 'Function' Rule
Always remember that 'kām karvū' is the go-to phrase for any machine. If it's on and working, it's 'kām kare che'.
Past Tense Pitfall
Don't say 'Me kām karyo'. Even though you might be a man, 'kām' is neuter, so it must be 'karyū'.
Meaning
Performing a task or job.
The 'Function' Rule
Always remember that 'kām karvū' is the go-to phrase for any machine. If it's on and working, it's 'kām kare che'.
Past Tense Pitfall
Don't say 'Me kām karyo'. Even though you might be a man, 'kām' is neuter, so it must be 'karyū'.
Humble Bragging
When someone praises you, a common humble response is 'એ તો મારું કામ હતું' (That was just my work/duty).
Compound Verbs
Learning 'karvū' opens up hundreds of other verbs like 'phone karvo' (to call) or 'safai karvi' (to clean).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'karvū' in the present tense.
હું ઓફિસમાં કામ ____ છું. (Hu office-mā̃ kām ____ chū̃.)
With 'હું' (I), the present tense form is 'કરું' (karū).
Which sentence correctly says 'The phone is not working'?
Select the correct Gujarati translation:
'Phon' is masculine, so 'karto' is the correct negative present form.
Match the Gujarati phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are standard tense and phrase variations.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
A: તમે કાલે શું કર્યું? B: કાલે મેં આખો દિવસ ____.
The question is in the past tense ('karyū'), so the answer must also be in the past tense.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesહું ઓફિસમાં કામ ____ છું. (Hu office-mā̃ kām ____ chū̃.)
With 'હું' (I), the present tense form is 'કરું' (karū).
Select the correct Gujarati translation:
'Phon' is masculine, so 'karto' is the correct negative present form.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are standard tense and phrase variations.
A: તમે કાલે શું કર્યું? B: કાલે મેં આખો દિવસ ____.
The question is in the past tense ('karyū'), so the answer must also be in the past tense.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for exercise use 'kasrat karvī'. 'Kām karvū' implies labor or tasks.
'Kām' is any work or task. 'Nokrī' specifically means a job where you are employed by someone else.
You can say 'આ યોજના કામ નથી કરતી' (Ā yojnā kām nathī kartī).
It is neuter (nānyātar jāti) in Gujarati.
Yes, you can say 'leśan karvū' or 'gharnu kām karvū', but 'bhaṇvū' is better for the act of studying.
You say 'Hu kāmmā̃ vyast chū̃' or simply 'Hu kāmmā̃ chū̃'.
It is neutral. It can be used with a boss or a child.
It is a slang/informal term for boring, repetitive work that you don't want to do.
We work = Ame kām karīe chhīe.
No, that is a common mistake. Always use 'karvū'.
Related Phrases
નોકરી કરવી
specialized formTo have a job
મદદ કરવી
similarTo help
મહેનત કરવી
builds onTo work hard
આરામ કરવો
contrastTo rest
કામ પૂરું કરવું
builds onTo finish work
