In 15 Seconds
- Used to turn on electronics, engines, or appliances.
- Combines 'chalu' (active) and 'karo' (do).
- Switch to 'kijiye' for a more polite, formal tone.
Meaning
This is your go-to command for starting something up. Whether you are flipping a light switch, starting a car engine, or beginning a movie, this phrase gets things moving.
Key Examples
3 of 6Feeling hot in a room
AC chalu karo, bahut garmi hai.
Turn on the AC, it is very hot.
Starting a movie night
Ab movie chalu karo!
Now start the movie!
Asking a taxi driver
Bhaiya, meter chalu karo.
Brother, turn on the meter.
Cultural Background
Very common in daily speech. Often mixed with English words like 'Switch on'.
Politeness
Always use 'कीजिए' with elders.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to turn on electronics, engines, or appliances.
- Combines 'chalu' (active) and 'karo' (do).
- Switch to 'kijiye' for a more polite, formal tone.
What It Means
Chalu karo is the ultimate 'on' button in Hindi. The word chalu means 'started' or 'active.' The word karo is a command form of 'to do.' Together, they mean 'make it active.' It is simple and punchy. You will hear it everywhere in India. From bustling street markets to quiet living rooms.
How To Use It
Place the object you want to start at the beginning. Want the fan on? Say pankha chalu karo. Want the music? Say gaana chalu karo. It is like a verbal remote control. You do not need complex grammar here. Just the noun plus the phrase. It is incredibly satisfying to say.
When To Use It
Use it for anything mechanical or electronic. Use it when you are ready to start a task. Use it when the room is too quiet. Use it when the Wi-Fi is acting up. It works perfectly with friends and family. It is the standard way to ask for action.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for people. If you tell a person chalu karo, it sounds weird. They are not machines! Also, be careful with the word chalu alone. Calling a person chalu means they are 'cunning' or 'shifty.' That is a quick way to lose a friend. Stick to objects and machines.
Cultural Background
In India, things often need a little 'push' to start. Whether it is an old generator or a conversation. This phrase reflects a culture of 'getting on with it.' It is functional and direct. It became a staple during the industrial boom. Now, it is the heartbeat of digital India too.
Common Variations
For elders, use chalu kijiye to be polite. It shows respect while asking for the same thing. If you are talking to yourself, say chalu karte hain. That means 'let's start.' In Mumbai, you might hear shuru kar. It means the same but feels a bit more 'Bollywood.'
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but leans informal. Always upgrade to `kijiye` when speaking to someone older or in a position of authority to avoid appearing rude.
Politeness
Always use 'कीजिए' with elders.
Examples
6AC chalu karo, bahut garmi hai.
Turn on the AC, it is very hot.
A very common request in the Indian summer.
Ab movie chalu karo!
Now start the movie!
Shows excitement and readiness.
Bhaiya, meter chalu karo.
Brother, turn on the meter.
Essential for navigating Indian cities fairly.
Online aao, game chalu karo.
Come online, start the game.
Commonly used in gaming circles.
Gaadi chalu karo, humein der ho rahi hai!
Start the car, we are getting late!
Used when there is a bit of urgency.
Isko thappad maaro aur chalu karo.
Slap this and turn it on.
Refers to the 'Indian technique' of fixing things with a hit.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
कृपया लाइट ______ ।
Use 'कीजिए' for polite requests.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesकृपया लाइट ______ ।
Use 'कीजिए' for polite requests.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it is perfect for starting an engine.
Related Phrases
बंद करो
contrastTurn off
शुरू करो
similarStart
