In 15 Seconds
- Used for turning on lights, fans, and electronic gadgets.
- Combines 'chalu' (active) and 'karna' (to do).
- Avoid using it for people; it can mean 'cunning'.
Meaning
This is the phrase you use whenever you want to start a machine, flip a switch, or get an appliance running. It's like telling an object to wake up and start working.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking a roommate to help with the heat
Bahut garmi hai, AC chalu kar do.
It's very hot, please turn on the AC.
In a professional office setting
Kya main projector chalu kar sakta hoon?
Can I turn on the projector?
Texting a friend about a game
Laptop chalu kar, game khelte hain.
Turn on the laptop, let's play a game.
Cultural Background
In many Indian homes, saving electricity is a cultural value. You will often hear elders saying 'Fan band karo' (Turn off the fan) and only 'Chālu karo' when absolutely necessary. In Mumbai slang (Bambaiya Hindi), 'chālu' is a very common way to describe a street-smart person. This usage is famous in Bollywood movies where characters are often 'chālu' types. When calling tech support, you'll hear a mix of Hindi and English. 'Restart' is common, but 'Chālu karke dekhiye' (Try starting it) is the standard instruction. In rural areas, 'chālu karnā' is used for water pumps and tractors, which are vital for farming. The sound of a motor 'chālu-ing' is the sound of work beginning.
The 'On' Shortcut
If you forget 'chālu karnā', you can almost always say 'On karo' and everyone will understand you.
The Slang Trap
Never call your boss 'chālu'. It doesn't mean they are 'on' or 'productive'; it means they are a liar!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for turning on lights, fans, and electronic gadgets.
- Combines 'chalu' (active) and 'karna' (to do).
- Avoid using it for people; it can mean 'cunning'.
What It Means
चालू करना (chalu karna) is your go-to phrase for 'turning on' anything electrical or mechanical. In Hindi, chalu means active, running, or functional, and karna means to do. When you put them together, you are literally 'making something active.' It covers everything from the lightbulb in your room to the engine in your car. It is one of the most practical phrases you will ever learn.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is super simple. You just name the object first and then add chalu karna. For example, if you want the fan on, you say Pankha chalu karo. If you are asking someone politely, you change it to chalu kijiye. It functions as a compound verb. You will notice that chalu stays the same, while karna changes based on the tense or who you are talking to. It is like a Lego set where the action part snaps right onto the object.
When To Use It
You will use this constantly in daily life. Use it when you enter a dark room and need the lights. Use it when you are sweating and need the AC. It is perfect for technology too. Think of your laptop, your phone, or even a Wi-Fi hotspot. In a professional setting, you might use it to start a presentation or a machine. It is the ultimate 'start' button for your vocabulary.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful not to use this for 'starting' a conversation or a meeting. For those, you should use shuru karna. Also, a big warning: do not use this to mean 'turning someone on' in a romantic sense. That would be very awkward! Also, avoid using it for opening books or doors. For those, stick to kholna. Finally, calling a person chalu is actually an insult, meaning they are 'cunning' or 'shifty.' Keep the phrase focused on machines!
Cultural Background
In India, this phrase carries a lot of weight because of 'load shedding' or power cuts. When the electricity finally returns after a long break, you will hear a chorus of people saying Light chalu ho gayi! (The light has turned on!). It is a sound of pure relief. Because of the British influence, many Indians also just say 'Switch on karna' or 'On karna.' However, using chalu karna makes you sound much more like a local who knows the rhythm of the streets.
Common Variations
The most common variation is the Hinglish version: On karna. You will also hear chalaana (to drive/operate), which is used for things like cars or computers. If something turns on by itself, you use chalu hona. For example, TV apne aap chalu ho gaya (The TV turned on by itself). It is a versatile family of words that keeps the world moving.
Usage Notes
The phrase is safe for all social settings. Just remember to conjugate 'karna' based on the level of respect (karo vs kijiye).
The 'On' Shortcut
If you forget 'chālu karnā', you can almost always say 'On karo' and everyone will understand you.
The Slang Trap
Never call your boss 'chālu'. It doesn't mean they are 'on' or 'productive'; it means they are a liar!
Politeness Matters
When asking someone to turn something on, use 'kījiye' instead of 'karo' to be polite.
Examples
6Bahut garmi hai, AC chalu kar do.
It's very hot, please turn on the AC.
A very common request in Indian summers.
Kya main projector chalu kar sakta hoon?
Can I turn on the projector?
Using 'kar sakta hoon' adds a layer of permission.
Laptop chalu kar, game khelte hain.
Turn on the laptop, let's play a game.
Short and direct for a close friend.
Bhai, apne dimaag ki batti chalu kar!
Bro, turn on the lightbulb in your brain!
A funny way to tell someone to wake up or think faster.
Arre wah, light chalu ho gayi!
Oh wow, the lights are back on!
Uses 'ho gayi' because the lights turned on themselves.
Gaadi chalu kijiye, humein deri ho rahi hai.
Please start the car, we are getting late.
Using 'kijiye' shows respect to the driver.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'chālu karnā'.
क्या आप पंखा ______ सकते हैं? (Can you turn on the fan?)
In the structure 'Can you [verb]', we use the root form or the infinitive. Here, 'chālu kar' fits the request.
Which sentence is correct for 'The car is starting'?
Choose the correct Hindi translation:
When the car (the subject) is starting itself, we use 'honā' (to be/become) instead of 'karnā' (to do).
Match the object with the correct verb.
Match the following:
TV is an appliance, so 'chālu karnā' is the most appropriate verb.
Complete the dialogue.
A: कमरे में बहुत अंधेरा है। B: ठीक है, मैं ______।
If it's dark (andhera), the logical action is to turn on (chālu karnā) the light.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Things you can 'Chālu' (चालू)
Electronics
- • TV
- • Light
- • Computer
Mechanical
- • Car
- • Motor
- • Fan
Flows
- • Tap (Nal)
- • Gas
- • Internet
Practice Bank
4 exercisesक्या आप पंखा ______ सकते हैं? (Can you turn on the fan?)
In the structure 'Can you [verb]', we use the root form or the infinitive. Here, 'chālu kar' fits the request.
Choose the correct Hindi translation:
When the car (the subject) is starting itself, we use 'honā' (to be/become) instead of 'karnā' (to do).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
TV is an appliance, so 'chālu karnā' is the most appropriate verb.
A: कमरे में बहुत अंधेरा है। B: ठीक है, मैं ______।
If it's dark (andhera), the logical action is to turn on (chālu karnā) the light.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo. As a verb, it's for machines. As an adjective ('Vah chālu hai'), it means the person is cunning or deceitful.
Neither is 'better'. 'On karnā' is very common in cities (Hinglish), but 'chālu karnā' is more authentic Hindi.
The opposite is 'band karnā' (बंद करना), which means to turn off or close.
Yes! 'Nal chālu karnā' is the standard way to say turn on the tap.
Use 'Light chālu ho gaī' (लाइट चालू हो गई).
Yes, 'Bātchīt chālu karnā' is common and sounds natural.
Yes, for starting services or schemes, though 'prārambh' is more formal.
Informally, yes. 'Movie chālu karo' is common among friends.
No. Use 'kholnā' for opening doors or books.
You say 'Machine chālu hai' (The machine is on/running).
Related Phrases
बंद करना
contrastTo turn off / To close
शुरू करना
similarTo start
चलाना
builds onTo operate / To drive
खोलना
similarTo open
