In 15 Seconds
- A direct command to press or click a button.
- Use 'dabao' for friends and 'dabaaiye' for formal respect.
- Essential for elevators, electronics, and navigating modern Indian life.
Meaning
This is a straightforward way to tell someone to press a button, whether it is on an elevator, a remote, or a computer.
Key Examples
3 of 6In an elevator with a friend
पांच नंबर का बटन दबाओ।
Press the button for number five.
Helping a colleague with a printer
अब हरा बटन दबाइए।
Now please press the green button.
Texting a friend about a new app
बस 'Submit' बटन दबाओ और हो गया!
Just press the 'Submit' button and it's done!
Cultural Background
Direct commands are often softened with 'जरा' to maintain social harmony.
Politeness
Always add 'कृपया' for strangers.
In 15 Seconds
- A direct command to press or click a button.
- Use 'dabao' for friends and 'dabaaiye' for formal respect.
- Essential for elevators, electronics, and navigating modern Indian life.
What It Means
बटन दबाओ is a direct command. It literally means "press the button." It is simple and functional. You are telling someone to interact with a machine. It is one of the first phrases you will use in a modern city like Delhi or Mumbai.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you want action. It follows the standard Hindi verb structure. बटन (button) is the object. दबाओ (press) is the imperative verb. It is perfect for quick instructions. Just point and say it. It is very hard to get this one wrong.
When To Use It
Use it in elevators when your hands are full. Use it when teaching your grandma how to use a smartphone. It is great for tech support over the phone. You will hear it at ATM machines. You will hear it at traffic lights with pedestrian buttons. Use it whenever a physical or digital click is needed.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use दबाओ with elders or bosses. It sounds a bit too bossy. For them, use the respectful दबाइए. Also, do not use it for "pressing" clothes. That is a different word entirely. If you are at a fancy gala, maybe be a bit more polite. Unless the building is on fire, then shout away!
Cultural Background
India is a land of high-tech and old-school charm. In many older buildings, elevator operators still exist. You tell them the floor, and they बटन दबाओ for you. In modern startup hubs, this phrase is used for launching software. It represents the bridge between manual labor and the digital age. It is a very "action-oriented" phrase in a fast-paced culture.
Common Variations
You can say लाल बटन दबाओ for "press the red button." Or ये वाला बटन दबाओ for "press this one." If you are asking a question, say कौन सा बटन दबाऊं? which means "which button should I press?" Adding कृपया at the start makes you sound like a total gentleman or lady.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but leans toward informal because of the 'o' ending. In professional or respectful contexts, always opt for 'dabaaiye'.
Politeness
Always add 'कृपया' for strangers.
Examples
6पांच नंबर का बटन दबाओ।
Press the button for number five.
A common, everyday use of the phrase.
अब हरा बटन दबाइए।
Now please press the green button.
Uses the respectful 'dabaaiye' for a professional setting.
बस 'Submit' बटन दबाओ और हो गया!
Just press the 'Submit' button and it's done!
Shows how English tech words are mixed with Hindi.
मैं दस बार बटन दबा चुका हूँ!
I have pressed the button ten times already!
Expressing annoyance through repetition.
धीरे से बटन दबाओ, बेटा।
Press the button gently, son.
Adding an adverb to give specific instructions.
अगली स्लाइड के लिए बटन दबाएं।
Press the button for the next slide.
Formal imperative used in public speaking.
Test Yourself
Which is the correct informal command?
____ बटन दबाओ।
'यह' (this) is the correct demonstrative pronoun here.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises____ बटन दबाओ।
'यह' (this) is the correct demonstrative pronoun here.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsOnly if used with elders.
Related Phrases
बटन दबाइए
specialized formFormal version
