Polite Requests in Hindi: The 'Aap' Form (-iye/-jiye)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
To make a polite request in Hindi, simply add '-iye' to the verb root to show respect to 'Aap'.
- Remove the infinitive '-na' from the verb: 'karna' (to do) becomes 'kar'.
- Add '-iye' to the root: 'kar' + 'iye' = 'kariye' (please do).
- For verbs ending in vowels, add '-jiye' instead: 'pi' + 'jiye' = 'pi-jiye' (please drink).
Overview
Mastering polite requests is fundamental for effective communication in Hindi, especially at the beginner (A1) level. Unlike English, where "please" can be added to any request, Hindi grammar integrates politeness directly into the verb form, adapting it to the social relationship between speakers. This rule focuses on the 'आप' (aap) form, Hindi's formal and respectful pronoun for "you," used with elders, strangers, superiors, or anyone you wish to show deference to.
Employing the correct 'आप' verb form is crucial; it prevents misunderstandings and demonstrates cultural sensitivity, allowing you to navigate social interactions smoothly from the outset. Incorrect usage can inadvertently sound demanding or disrespectful, even if your intention is benign. The 'आप' form with the suffixes -इए (-iye) or -ईजिए (-jiye) transforms a basic command into a polite solicitation, signaling respect and formality.
Conjugation Table
| Verb (Infinitive) | Verb Root | 'आप' Form (Devanagari) | 'आप' Form (Transliteration) | English (Polite Request) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||
बोलना (bolnā) |
बोल (bol) |
बोलिए |
bolie | Please speak | ||
देखना (dekhnā) |
देख (dekh) |
देखिए |
dekhie | Please look/see | ||
सुनना (sunnā) |
सुन (sun) |
सुनिए |
sunie | Please listen | ||
जाना (jānā) |
जा (jā) |
जाइए |
jāie | Please go | ||
आना (ānā) |
आ (ā) |
आइए |
āie | Please come | ||
बैठना (baiṭhnā) |
बैठ (baiṭh) |
बैठिए |
baiṭhie | Please sit | ||
रुकना (ruknā) |
रुक (ruk) |
रुकिए |
rukie | Please stop/wait | ||
पढ़ना (paṛhnā) |
पढ़ (paṛh) |
पढ़िए |
paṛhie | Please read/study | ||
लिखना (likhnā) |
लिख (likh) |
लिखिए |
likhie | Please write | ||
खाना (khānā) |
खा (khā) |
खाइए |
khāie | Please eat | ||
सोना (sonā) |
सो (so) |
सोइए |
soie | Please sleep | ||
उठना (uṭhnā) |
उठ (uṭh) |
उठिए |
uṭhie | Please get up | ||
करना (karnā) |
कर (kar) |
कीजिए |
kījie | Please do (Irregular) | ||
लेना (lenā) |
ले (le) |
लीजिए |
lījie | Please take (Irregular) | ||
देना (denā) |
दे (de) |
दीजिए |
dījie | Please give (Irregular) | ||
पीना (pīnā) |
पी (pī) |
पीजिए |
pījie | Please drink (Irregular) | ||
होना (honā) |
हो (ho) |
होइए |
hoie | Please be (Irregular/Special) |
How This Grammar Works
तू (tū - informal intimate), तुम (tum - informal familiar), or आप (āp - formal polite).आप, the expectation is that the verb will also adopt a respectful form. This grammatical agreement underscores the hierarchical or formal nature of the interaction. For instance, if you want someone to speak, the base verb is बोलना (bolnā).बोल (bol - for तू), the familiar request is बोलो (bolo - for तुम), but the polite request for आप is बोलिए (bolie). The suffix -इए (-iye) or -ईजिए (-jiye) is not just an arbitrary ending; it carries the inherent meaning of deference, making the request sound softer, more respectful, and culturally appropriate. This system highlights how deeply embedded social stratification and respect are within the Hindi language structure.Formation Pattern
-ना (-nā) in their infinitive form (e.g., खाना - khānā, जाना - jānā, करना - karnā). The first step is always to remove this infinitive ending to find the verb root.
बोलना - bolnā, देखना - dekhnā).
-ना (-nā) ending. The remaining part is the verb root (e.g., बोल - bol, देख - dekh).
-इए (-iye).
-इए (-iye)
बोल (bol) + इए = बोलिए (bolie - Please speak)
देख (dekh) + इए = देखिए (dekhie - Please look)
सुन (sun) + इए = सुनिए (sunie - Please listen)
-इए (-iye). The vowels typically merge or combine naturally.
-इए (-iye)
आ (ā) + इए = आइए (āie - Please come)
जा (jā) + इए = जाइए (jāie - Please go)
खा (khā) + इए = खाइए (khāie - Please eat)
सो (so) + इए = सोइए (soie - Please sleep)
होना):
करना (karnā - to do): The root कर (kar) changes to की (kī) before adding -जिए (-jie). कीजिए (kījie) - Please do.
लेना (lenā - to take): The root ले (le) changes to ली (lī) before adding -जिए (-jie). लीजिए (lījie) - Please take.
देना (denā - to give): The root दे (de) changes to दी (dī) before adding -जिए (-jie). दीजिए (dījie) - Please give.
पीना (pīnā - to drink): The root पी (pī) already has the long ई vowel, so it directly adds -जिए (-jie). पीजिए (pījie) - Please drink.
होना (honā - to be/happen): This verb has a unique polite form, often used in conjunction with other verbs. The root हो (ho) takes the standard -इए (-iye) suffix. होइए (hoie) - Please be. (e.g., खुश होइए - khush hoie - Please be happy).
कर, ले, दे, the short vowel in the root changes to a long ई (ī) sound, and then -जिए is appended. पीना already has the long ई sound. होना is special.
When To Use It
- Addressing Elders: Always use the 'आप' form when speaking to anyone significantly older than you, such as your parents, grandparents, older relatives, or senior members of the community. For example,
आप यहाँ बैठिए(āp yahāṅ baiṭhie - Please sit here) to an elder. - Speaking to Strangers: When interacting with people you don't know, whether on the street, in a shop, or in a professional setting, the 'आप' form is essential. It establishes a polite distance. Imagine asking for directions:
कृपया मुझे रास्ता दिखाइए(kṛpayā mujhe rāstā dikhāie - Please show me the way). - Professional and Academic Environments: In business meetings, job interviews, with teachers, professors, or colleagues with whom you maintain a formal relationship, the 'आप' form is mandatory.
कृपया यह रिपोर्ट पढ़िए(kṛpayā yah riporṭ paṛhie - Please read this report). - Customer Service and Public Interactions: When you are a customer requesting service, or if you are providing service to a client, the 'आप' form maintains a professional and courteous tone. For instance,
आप अपनी आईडी दिखाइए(āp apnī āiḍī dikhāie - Please show your ID) from a service provider. - Expressing Deference to Superiors: This includes your boss, manager, or anyone in a position of authority over you. It signals respect for their status.
यह काम पूरा कीजिए(yah kām pūrā kījie - Please complete this work). - General Politeness (Default): When in doubt, especially as a learner, defaulting to the 'आप' form is always the best strategy. It's better to be overly polite than inadvertently rude. It can always be softened to
तुमlater if the relationship becomes more familiar.
When Not To Use It
- With Close Friends: Using the 'आप' form with your close friends, classmates, or peers with whom you have an established casual relationship will sound very unnatural and create an awkward distance. They might even ask if something is wrong. Instead of
आप यहाँ आइए(Please come here) to a friend, you'd sayतुम यहाँ आओ(tum yahāṅ āo) or evenतू यहाँ आ(tū yahāṅ ā). - With Children: When speaking to young children, especially your own or those you are familiar with, the 'आप' form is almost never used. It would sound overly formal and strange. Use
तूorतुमforms instead.पानी पियो(pānī piyo - Drink water) to a child, notपानी पीजिए(pānī pījie). - With Pets: Similar to children, using the 'आप' form with animals is completely inappropriate and can be humorous, but not the intended effect for learning.
बैठ(baiṭh - Sit!) to a dog, notबैठिए(baiṭhie). - Expressing Extreme Familiarity/Intimacy: The 'आप' form inherently creates distance. In situations requiring extreme intimacy or a lack of formality (e.g., talking to a deity in prayer, or expressing deep affection to a partner), the
तूform is sometimes preferred, as it implies closeness, not disrespect. - Commanding Inferiors (Rarely): While technically possible to use
आपwith someone of significantly lower social status, it is more common and less awkward to useतुमor evenतूforms for direct commands if the power dynamic is clear and accepted. However, as a learner, err on the side of politeness until you fully grasp the nuances.
Common Mistakes
- The
करिएvs.कीजिएTrap: This is perhaps the most common mistake for learners ofकरना(karnā - to do). While you might occasionally hearकरिए(karie) in some regional dialects or very informal spoken contexts, the standard and grammatically correct polite 'आप' form isकीजिए(kījie). The irregular change fromकरtoकीis essential for formal speech. Always default toकीजिएfor writing and formal conversations. Usingकरिएmight be understood, but it signals a less refined or non-standard usage. - Adding
इएto the Infinitive: A beginner error is to append the-इए (-iye)suffix to the full infinitive verb (e.g.,बोलनाइए- bolnāie instead ofबोलिए- bolie). Remember, you must always remove the-ना (-nā)ending first to get the verb root. The pattern isRoot + -इए/-जिए, neverInfinitive + -इए/-जिए. - Mixing Politeness Levels (Pronoun-Verb Mismatch): Inconsistent use of pronouns and verb forms is a dead giveaway of a non-native speaker. If you use the formal pronoun
आप(aap), you must use the-इए (-iye)or-ईजिए (-jiye)verb ending. Sayingआप बोलो(aap bolo - You speak, usingतुमform) is grammatically incorrect and socially jarring. It's like mixing formal and informal address within the same sentence in English (e.g., "Sir, give me food!"). Ensure your pronoun (आप) always agrees with your verb form (-इए/-जिए). - Over-reliance on
जी (ji)for Politeness: Whileजी (ji)is a respectful particle often added to names orहाँ (hāṅ - yes), it's not a substitute for the correct verb form. The-इए/-जिएending already conveys politeness. Addingजीafter an already polite verb likeआइए जी(āie jī) is not incorrect but can sometimes sound redundant or overly solicitous. Useजीjudiciously, typically after a name or as a standalone polite affirmative (हाँ जी). The verb ending is sufficient for politeness. - Incorrect Negation for Imperatives: When you want to politely ask someone not to do something, the negation particle is
न (na)orमत (mat), placed before the verb. You do not useनहीं (nahīṅ)for imperatives.नहींis used for negating statements or general facts. For example,यहाँ मत आइए(yahāṅ mat āie - Please don't come here), notयहाँ नहीं आइए. Usingनहींwould sound like a statement of fact ("You don't come here") rather than a polite request to refrain. - Forgetting Irregular Verbs: The irregular verbs
करना,लेना,देना,पीना, andहोनाare used constantly. Failing to apply their specialकीजिए,लीजिए,दीजिए,पीजिए, andहोइएforms will sound incorrect and mark you as a beginner. Dedicate extra practice to these specific verbs.
Memory Trick
To consistently recall the polite 'आप' imperative forms, especially the irregulars, consider this trick:
The "ई-जी" (ee-jee) Rule:
1. For most verbs: Think of the verb root as needing a polite "ear" (ई - ee sound) to listen to your request. So, बोल becomes बोलिए (bolie). The -इए sound often feels like a polite elongation.
2. For the "Big Four" irregulars (कर, ले, दे, पी): These verbs require a special, extra-polite "gift" (जी - jee sound) and a long ई (ee) sound.
- कर (kar) -> कई (kī) + जिए (jie) = कीजिए (kījie) (Think of "Kee-jie" – a key to politeness).
- ले (le) -> लई (lī) + जिए (jie) = लीजिए (lījie) (Think of "Lee-jie" – to take a leaf politely).
- दे (de) -> दई (dī) + जिए (jie) = दीजिए (dījie) (Think of "Dee-jie" – to give a deal politely).
- पी (pī) -> Already has the long ई (ee) + जिए (jie) = पीजिए (pījie) (Think of "Pee-jie" – to sip tea politely).
This "ई-जी" trick emphasizes the two core phonetic elements: the long ई sound in the irregular roots and the -इए/-जिए suffix. Visualize the extended ī sound and the respectful j sound to trigger the correct conjugation.
Real Conversations
Understanding the grammatical rule is one thing; hearing and using it in real-world contexts is another. The 'आप' imperative is pervasive in daily Hindi interactions, particularly in urban environments and formal settings. Here are some examples of how it's used:
- At a Restaurant/Cafe:
- You: नमस्ते। कृपया एक चाय दीजिए। (Namaste. kṛpayā ek cāy dījie. - Hello. Please give me one tea.)
- Waiter: आप यहाँ बैठिए। (Āp yahāṅ baiṭhie. - Please sit here.)
- You: क्या आप मेन्यू दिखाइए? (Kyā āp menū dikhāie? - Could you please show the menu?)
- Asking for Directions:
- You: माफ़ कीजिए, क्या आप मुझे स्टेशन का रास्ता बताइए? (Māf kījie, kyā āp mujhe sṭeśan kā rāstā batāie? - Excuse me, could you please tell me the way to the station?)
- Stranger: आप सीधा जाइए और फिर दाईं ओर मुड़िए। (Āp sīdhā jāie aur phir dāīṅ or muṛie. - Please go straight and then turn right.)
- In a Professional Setting (e.g., Office):
- Boss to junior colleague: कृपया यह ईमेल लिखिए। (Kṛpayā yah īmel likhie. - Please write this email.)
- Colleague to boss: जी सर, आप अभी क्या कीजिए? (Jī sar, āp abhī kyā kījie? - Yes sir, what would you like me to do now? Using a common polite phrasing when asking for instruction)
- On a Phone Call/Texting (Formal):
- हमें जल्द कॉल कीजिए। (Hameṅ jald kauḷ kījie. - Please call us soon.)
- कृपया मीटिंग का समय बताइए। (Kṛpayā mīṭiṅg kā samay batāie. - Please tell the meeting time.)
Notice how कृपया (kṛpayā - please) is often used in conjunction with the 'आप' form for added emphasis on politeness, especially in written communication or when making a formal request. However, the verb form itself (दीजिए, बैठिए, बताइए, लिखिए) already carries the core politeness.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
तू (tū) and तुम (tum) forms. All three pronouns translate to "you" in English, but they signify vastly different levels of social proximity and respect, which are reflected directly in the verb conjugations. This comparative understanding prevents miscommunication and helps you choose the most appropriate form.तू (tū) Form | तुम (tum) Form | आप (āp) Form |तू (tū) | तुम (tum) | आप (āp) |-ओ (-o) | -इए (-iye) or -ईजिए (-jiye) |तू बोल (tū bol - You speak) | तुम बोलो (tum bolo - You speak) | आप बोलिए (āp bolie - Please speak) |तू कर (tū kar - You do) | तुम करो (tum karo - You do) | आप कीजिए (āp kījie - Please do) |तू बोल to a stranger would be highly offensive, akin to using an archaic or insulting term. Using तुम बोलो might be acceptable with a casual acquaintance but lacks the respect shown by आप बोलिए.कृपया (kṛpayā), which directly translates to "please." While कृपया can be added to any request for emphasis, it does not replace the need for the correct imperative verb form. It functions as an intensifier of politeness. For example, पानी दीजिए (pānī dījie - Please give water) is polite.कृपया पानी दीजिए (kṛpayā pānī dījie - Kindly please give water) is even more polite. You would never say कृपया पानी दे (kṛpayā pānī de) or कृपया पानी दो (kṛpayā pānī do) if addressing someone formally, because the verb form (दे or दो) would contradict the politeness intended by कृपया. The 'आप' form with its distinct suffix is the grammatical foundation of respectful requests.Progressive Practice
Consistent practice is key to internalizing the 'आप' imperative. Work through these levels of increasing complexity to build fluency and confidence.
Level 1: Basic Recognition and Conjugation
- Task: Take five new infinitive verbs from the conjugation table. Remove -ना to find the root, then add -इए or -ईजिए to form the polite request. Write them down in Devanagari and transliteration.
- Example: चलना (calnā - to walk) -> चल (cal) -> चलिए (calie - Please walk)
- Focus: Memorizing the core -इए ending and identifying verb roots.
Level 2: Mastering the Irregulars
- Task: Practice the four irregular verbs (करना, लेना, देना, पीना) and होना. Write out their 'आप' forms (कीजिए, लीजिए, दीजिए, पीजिए, होइए) ten times each. Use them in a simple sentence.
- Example: कृपया यह काम कीजिए। (kṛpayā yah kām kījie. - Please do this work.)
- Focus: Overcoming common errors with irregular verbs.
Level 3: Simple Polite Requests with Objects
- Task: Construct simple sentences using the 'आप' form with common nouns as direct objects. Use आप explicitly in your sentence.
- किताब पढ़िए। (kitāb paṛhie. - Please read the book.)
- चाय लीजिए। (cāy lījie. - Please take the tea.)
- यहाँ बैठिए। (yahāṅ baiṭhie. - Please sit here.)
- Focus: Building basic sentence structures for requests.
Level 4: Negative Polite Requests
- Task: Formulate polite negative requests using न or मत before the 'आप' verb form. Remember not to use नहीं.
- यहाँ मत रुकिए। (yahāṅ mat rukie. - Please don't stop here.)
- शोर न कीजिए। (śor na kījie. - Please don't make noise.)
- Focus: Correct negation for imperatives.
Level 5: Real-World Scenarios and Dialogue Practice
- Task: Imagine five different scenarios (e.g., asking a shopkeeper for an item, requesting help from a colleague, inviting someone inside your home) and write short dialogues using 'आप' forms. Practice saying them aloud.
- Scenario: In a taxi.
- You: भैया, कृपया यहाँ रुकिए। (Bhaiyā, kṛpayā yahāṅ rukie. - Brother, please stop here.)
- Driver: जी, ठीक है। (Jī, ṭhīk hai. - Yes, okay.)
- Focus: Applying the grammar in practical, conversational contexts and developing natural fluency.
Quick FAQ
आप before the verb, or is the verb ending enough?आप pronoun is often used, especially to clearly establish the level of address, the verb ending -इए (-iye) or -ईजिए (-jiye) is the primary marker of politeness. In many contexts, particularly when the address is already clear or implied (e.g., in a customer service interaction), you can omit आप and simply use the polite verb form. For example, अंदर आइए (andar āie - Please come inside) is perfectly polite without explicitly saying आप.कृपया (kṛpayā) with the तुम or तू forms for politeness?कृपया with तुम or तू forms (e.g., कृपया पानी दो - kṛpayā pānī do). However, this creates a linguistic mismatch. While कृपया signals a polite intention, the तुम or तू verb ending still conveys a lack of formality or respect in the verb itself.-इए/-जिए) aligns with the polite intention, regardless of whether कृपया is present.-इए/-जिए). This simplifies learning considerably, as you don't need to worry about masculine or feminine agreements for these specific verb forms.-इए vs. -ईजिए?-इए ending is the more widespread and regular form. The -ईजिए ending is specifically for the four irregular verbs (करना, लेना, देना, पीना) where the root vowel changes to ई. Some regional variations might informally use -इए for करना (e.g., करिए), but कीजिए remains the standard for formal and grammatically precise Hindi.तुम form and quickly self-correct if you realize your mistake.Polite Imperative Conjugation
| Infinitive | Root | Polite Form (-iye/-jiye) | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Karna
|
Kar
|
Kariye
|
Please do
|
|
Pina
|
Pi
|
Pijiye
|
Please drink
|
|
Baithna
|
Baith
|
Baithiye
|
Please sit
|
|
Padhna
|
Padh
|
Padhiye
|
Please read
|
|
Aana
|
Aa
|
Aaiye
|
Please come
|
|
Khana
|
Kha
|
Khaiye
|
Please eat
|
|
Dekhna
|
Dekh
|
Dekhiye
|
Please look
|
|
Bolna
|
Bol
|
Boliye
|
Please speak
|
Meanings
This is the standard way to make polite requests, suggestions, or formal commands in Hindi. It is used when addressing someone with 'Aap' (formal 'you').
Polite Request
Asking someone to perform an action politely.
“पानी पीजिए (Paani pijiye - Please drink water)”
“अंदर आइए (Andar aaiye - Please come inside)”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Root + iye
|
Kariye
|
|
Negative
|
Mat + Root + iye
|
Mat kariye
|
|
Polite Request
|
Kripya + Root + iye
|
Kripya kariye
|
|
Future Polite
|
Root + iyega
|
Kariyega
|
|
Question
|
Kya + Root + iye?
|
Kya kariye?
|
|
Emphasis
|
Zaroor + Root + iye
|
Zaroor kariye
|
Formality Spectrum
Baithiye (General)
Baitho (General)
Baith (General)
Baith na (General)
The Polite Request Tree
Consonant End
- Kariye Do
Vowel End
- Pijiye Drink
Examples by Level
यहाँ बैठिए
Please sit here
पानी पीजिए
Please drink water
किताब पढ़िए
Please read the book
अंदर आइए
Please come inside
कृपया मेरी मदद कीजिए
Please help me
वहाँ मत जाइए
Please do not go there
चाय लीजिए
Please take tea
यह पत्र पढ़िए
Please read this letter
कृपया मुझे अपना नाम बताइए
Please tell me your name
कल फिर आइएगा
Please come again tomorrow
शोर मत मचाइए
Please do not make noise
कृपया ध्यान दीजिए
Please pay attention
कृपया इस फॉर्म को भरिए
Please fill out this form
मुझे विस्तार से समझाइए
Please explain it to me in detail
कृपया अपनी बात जारी रखिए
Please continue your point
समय पर पहुँचने की कोशिश कीजिए
Please try to reach on time
कृपया इस विषय पर विचार कीजिए
Please consider this topic
अपनी राय साझा कीजिए
Please share your opinion
कृपया धैर्य बनाए रखिए
Please maintain patience
इस प्रस्ताव को स्वीकार कीजिए
Please accept this proposal
कृपया इस संदर्भ को स्पष्ट कीजिए
Please clarify this context
कृपया शिष्टाचार का पालन कीजिए
Please follow etiquette
इस जटिल समस्या का समाधान कीजिए
Please resolve this complex problem
कृपया अपनी उपस्थिति दर्ज कीजिए
Please register your presence
Easily Confused
Learners often mix the 'o' ending with the 'iye' ending.
Using the root form with strangers.
Using 'iyega' instead of 'iye'.
Common Mistakes
Karo
Kariye
Karnaiye
Kariye
Nahi kariye
Mat kariye
Aaiye-o
Aaiye
Kariye-ji
Kariye
Aap kariye-o
Aap kariye
Kripya mat kariye
Kripya mat kijiye
Kariyega
Kariye
Kariye-ga
Kariye
Kariye-jiye
Kariye
Kariye-ji
Kariye
Kariye-ga
Kariye
Kariye-iye
Kariye
Sentence Patterns
Kripya ___ kijiye.
___ mat kariye.
Kya aap ___ sakte hain?
___ kijiye aur ___ dekhiye.
Real World Usage
Kripya menu dijiye.
Kripya report bhejiye.
Kripya rasta bataiye.
Kripya comment kijiye.
Kripya ticket dikhaiye.
Kripya jaldi aaiye.
When in doubt, use '-iye'.
Don't use with friends.
Add 'Kripya'.
Respect the elders.
Smart Tips
Always start with 'Kripya'.
Use 'Aap' + '-iye'.
Use the '-iye' form for clarity.
Use 'dikhaiye' (show me).
Pronunciation
Stress
The stress usually falls on the syllable before the suffix.
Rising
Kariye? ↑
A polite, questioning request.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember 'Iye' is for the 'Eye' of respect—look at them with respect and say '-iye'.
Visual Association
Imagine a waiter in a fancy restaurant bowing slightly and saying 'Kariye' as he gestures to your seat.
Rhyme
When you want to be polite and nice, add '-iye' to your verb slice.
Story
Rahul enters a shop. He wants to be polite. He sees the shopkeeper and says 'Aaiye' (come). He asks for tea by saying 'Pijiye' (drink). The shopkeeper smiles because Rahul used the respectful form.
Word Web
Challenge
For the next 5 minutes, imagine you are a hotel manager. Practice saying 5 polite requests to your imaginary guests.
Cultural Notes
The '-iye' form is ubiquitous in Delhi and UP, reflecting a culture of high respect.
Using this form is mandatory in emails and formal meetings.
Hosts use this form to make guests feel comfortable.
The '-iye' suffix is a development from Sanskrit honorific imperatives.
Conversation Starters
Kya aap chai lenge?
Kya aap yahan baith sakte hain?
Kya aap meri madad kar sakte hain?
Kya aap isse padh sakte hain?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Kripya kaam ___.
Choose the correct form.
Find and fix the mistake:
Tum yahan aaiye.
Pani piyo.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Choose the correct form.
Kripya, baithiye, yahan.
Find and fix the mistake:
Kripya mat kijiye-ga.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesKripya kaam ___.
Choose the correct form.
Find and fix the mistake:
Tum yahan aaiye.
Pani piyo.
Match: Karna, Pina, Aana, Padhna
Choose the correct form.
Kripya, baithiye, yahan.
Find and fix the mistake:
Kripya mat kijiye-ga.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesयह काम ____।
लीजिए / पानी / आप / ज़रा
Match the following:
ज़रा दो मिनट ____।
आप गाना सुनिएना।
Translate the sentence.
Please give money.
मेरे घर ____।
कीजिए / ज़रा / मदद / मेरी
Translate the sentence.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
You can, but it might sound like you are joking or being sarcastic. Use '-o' for friends.
Use '-jiye' instead of '-iye'. For example, 'pi' becomes 'pijiye'.
No, but it adds a layer of politeness that is very appreciated in India.
Use 'mat' before the verb. 'Mat kariye'.
Yes, the '-iye' form does not change based on the gender of the listener.
You can, but it is usually better to use the '-o' or root form to be more friendly.
No, the future tense uses '-iyega'. '-iye' is for immediate requests.
That is a slightly more formal or future-oriented version of the request.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Usted form
Hindi has a specific suffix for the imperative, while Spanish changes the whole verb conjugation.
Vouvoiement
French uses the pronoun to signal formality; Hindi uses both the pronoun and the verb suffix.
Sie-form
German changes the verb based on the pronoun; Hindi adds a specific polite suffix.
Keigo
Japanese honorifics are much more complex and situational than Hindi's.
Formal imperative
Arabic uses prefix/suffix changes; Hindi uses a consistent '-iye' suffix.
Nin
Chinese does not conjugate verbs for politeness; it relies on pronouns and particles.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
Hindi Informal Imperatives: Telling Friends What to Do (Tum & Tu)
Overview In Hindi, the way you address someone significantly impacts the social tone of your interaction. This is primar...
Polite Imperatives: Tu, Tum, and Aap
Overview In Hindi, issuing a command is intrinsically tied to social dynamics and respect. Unlike English, which uses a...
The Art of Asking: Indirect Requests & Politeness
Overview In Hindi, the grammar of a request is deeply intertwined with social context, hierarchy, and the concept of **...
Softening Hindi Commands: Beyond 'Please' (जरा, -ना, -इएगा)
Overview Mastering Hindi commands requires moving beyond the direct translation of 'please'. While `कृपया` (kṛpyā) exist...
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