Meaning
To treat a situation or matter with due importance and not lightly.
Cultural Background
In Indian offices, saying 'I am taking this seriously' is often a way to reassure a superior that you are working overtime or giving it extra effort. It's a marker of loyalty. Academic performance is a matter of extreme 'Gambhirta'. A child not taking exams seriously is a major social and family concern. In North Indian culture, especially influenced by Urdu, 'Sanjidgi' (seriousness) is seen as a sign of a well-bred person (Shareef). Government campaigns in India often use this phrase to urge citizens to follow rules, like wearing masks or voting.
The 'Ko' Rule
Always check if you have 'ko' after your object. 'Baat ko lena', 'Kaam ko lena'. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete to a native ear.
Hinglish is okay
In big cities like Delhi or Mumbai, saying 'Seriously lo' is 100% fine in casual settings. Don't stress too much about the pure Hindi form unless you're in an interview.
Meaning
To treat a situation or matter with due importance and not lightly.
The 'Ko' Rule
Always check if you have 'ko' after your object. 'Baat ko lena', 'Kaam ko lena'. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete to a native ear.
Hinglish is okay
In big cities like Delhi or Mumbai, saying 'Seriously lo' is 100% fine in casual settings. Don't stress too much about the pure Hindi form unless you're in an interview.
Don't over-use
If you take *everything* 'gambhirta se', you might sound like a very boring or stressed person. Balance it with 'mazaak' (humor).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
पुलिस ने चोर की धमकी को _______ लिया।
We need the adverbial form 'गंभीरता से' to modify the verb 'लिया'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct sentence:
The object 'baat' (talk) needs the 'ko' marker and the phrase needs 'se'.
Complete the dialogue.
बॉस: यह प्रोजेक्ट बहुत ज़रूरी है। कर्मचारी: जी सर, मैं इसे _______।
In a professional context, 'taking it seriously' is the only appropriate response.
Match the phrase variation to the context.
Match: 1. संजदगी से लेना, 2. सीरियसली लेना, 3. हल्के में लेना
Sanjidgi is literary, Seriously is casual, and Halke mein is ignoring.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Seriousness Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesपुलिस ने चोर की धमकी को _______ लिया।
We need the adverbial form 'गंभीरता से' to modify the verb 'लिया'.
Select the correct sentence:
The object 'baat' (talk) needs the 'ko' marker and the phrase needs 'se'.
बॉस: यह प्रोजेक्ट बहुत ज़रूरी है। कर्मचारी: जी सर, मैं इसे _______।
In a professional context, 'taking it seriously' is the only appropriate response.
Match: 1. संजदगी से लेना, 2. सीरियसली लेना, 3. हल्के में लेना
Sanjidgi is literary, Seriously is casual, and Halke mein is ignoring.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes! 'मैं तुम्हें गंभीरता से लेता हूँ' is a great way to tell someone you respect their opinions.
'Gambhir' is an adjective (serious), while 'Gambhirta' is a noun (seriousness). You take something *with* seriousness.
Not at all. It's very common Hinglish. However, in a formal letter, always use 'गंभीरता से लेना'.
Yes, but it means 'to do something seriously' (the action), whereas 'lena' means 'to treat/perceive something as serious' (the attitude).
Related Phrases
हल्के में लेना
contrastTo take lightly
ध्यान देना
similarTo pay attention
महत्व देना
synonymTo give importance
मजाक उड़ाना
contrastTo make fun of
