Meaning
Asking for advice or a course of action in a current situation.
Cultural Background
In North India, this phrase is often the start of a long, passionate debate. Everyone will have a different 'jugaad' (fix) to suggest. In modern tech hubs like Bangalore, you'll hear 'Ab kya karein?' mixed with English. It shows the hybrid nature of modern Indian professional life. If a host asks this, they are often worried about your comfort. It's a sign they want to go above and beyond to fix a problem for you. This phrase is a staple in dramatic movie scenes where the hero and heroine are trapped. It heightens the tension before a creative escape.
The Shrug Factor
In India, this phrase is almost always accompanied by a physical shrug and palms facing up. Doing this makes you sound 10x more native.
Don't sound too whiny
If you say it with a high-pitched, dragging voice, it can sound like you are complaining. Keep the tone inquisitive to sound proactive.
Meaning
Asking for advice or a course of action in a current situation.
The Shrug Factor
In India, this phrase is almost always accompanied by a physical shrug and palms facing up. Doing this makes you sound 10x more native.
Don't sound too whiny
If you say it with a high-pitched, dragging voice, it can sound like you are complaining. Keep the tone inquisitive to sound proactive.
Collective 'We'
Even if you are the one who made the mistake, using 'karein' (we) instead of 'karoon' (I) shares the burden and makes people more likely to help you.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase for 'What should we do now?'
ट्रेन छूट गई है, ___ क्या करें?
'अब' (Ab) means 'now', which is essential for this phrase.
Which of these is the most natural way to ask for a group decision when a plan fails?
Scenario: Your picnic is cancelled due to rain.
'अब क्या करें?' uses the subjunctive mood, which is perfect for seeking suggestions.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: होटल में कमरे खाली नहीं हैं। B: अरे यार! ________?
Both 'Ab kya karein?' (What should we do?) and 'Ab kya hoga?' (What will happen now?) are natural reactions to bad news.
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
1. अब क्या सीन है? 2. अब हमें क्या करना चाहिए? 3. अब मैं क्या करूँ?
'Scene' is slang, 'Chahiyo' is formal/standard, and 'Karoon' is first-person singular (personal).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Contexts
Travel
- • Missed train
- • Lost way
- • Flat tire
Social
- • Boredom
- • Full restaurant
- • Rainy day
Practice Bank
4 exercisesट्रेन छूट गई है, ___ क्या करें?
'अब' (Ab) means 'now', which is essential for this phrase.
Scenario: Your picnic is cancelled due to rain.
'अब क्या करें?' uses the subjunctive mood, which is perfect for seeking suggestions.
A: होटल में कमरे खाली नहीं हैं। B: अरे यार! ________?
Both 'Ab kya karein?' (What should we do?) and 'Ab kya hoga?' (What will happen now?) are natural reactions to bad news.
1. अब क्या सीन है? 2. अब हमें क्या करना चाहिए? 3. अब मैं क्या करूँ?
'Scene' is slang, 'Chahiyo' is formal/standard, and 'Karoon' is first-person singular (personal).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but it's also polite enough for a boss or a stranger because of the subjunctive 'karein' ending.
Yes, it's very common. You can even shorten it to 'Ab kya?' in a quick chat.
'Karein' is 'should we do' (subjunctive), while 'karenge' is 'will we do' (future). 'Karein' is much more common for immediate dilemmas.
'Karo' is an imperative (a command). You don't want to command yourself or the group; you want to ask for a suggestion.
Not at all. It usually implies you are ready to find a new solution (Jugaad).
You say 'Ab main kya karoon?' (अब मैं क्या करूँ?).
Yes, if you say it loudly and sharply, it expresses frustration at a hopeless situation.
Yes: 'Ab kya kiya jana chahiye?' (What ought to be done now?).
Usually 'Ek kaam karte hain...' (Let's do one thing...) followed by a suggestion.
Only if you are presented with a hypothetical problem-solving scenario. Don't use it if you just don't know the answer to a question!
Related Phrases
अब क्या होगा?
similarWhat will happen now?
अब क्या किया जाए?
specialized formWhat should be done?
आगे क्या?
synonymWhat next?
क्या करें, क्या न करें
builds onWhat to do, what not to do
