B1 Collocation Formal 4 min read

कबूल करना

kabool karna

to admit

Literally: {"kabul":"acceptance, consent, confession","karna":"to do, to make"}

In 15 Seconds

  • Means to admit, confess, or formally accept.
  • Carries weight of responsibility and sincerity.
  • Use for mistakes, truths, proposals, not casual 'yes'.
  • More formal than 'maan lena' or 'haan kehna'.

Meaning

This phrase, `kabul karna`, means to admit something, like a mistake, a fault, or even a truth you've been hiding. It's not just saying 'yes'; it's about owning up to something, often with a sense of sincerity or even a bit of reluctance. Think of it as formally accepting responsibility or acknowledging a reality, whether it's good or bad.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend about a shared mistake

Haan yaar, meri hi galti thi, maine `kabul kiya`.

Yeah man, it was my fault, I admitted it.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
2

Accepting a job offer via email

Main aapki naukri ki offer `kabul karta hoon`.

I accept your job offer.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
3

A character confessing in a drama scene

Maine woh kaam kiya hai, main yeh `kabul karta hoon`!

I did that deed, I admit it!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

The phrase 'Qubool Hai' is the most vital part of a Muslim wedding (Nikah). It signifies the free will and consent of both parties. Confession scenes are a staple of Bollywood. 'Kabul karna' is often used in dramatic climaxes where the hero or villain finally speaks the truth. In Indian law, a 'confession' is referred to as 'Iqbaliya Bayan' or 'Jurm Kabul Karna'. It carries significant weight in court. Admitting a mistake (galti kabul karna) is seen as a sign of 'Baddappan' (magnanimity or being the bigger person) in Indian society.

💡

Use for Sincerity

If you want to sound like you really mean an apology, use 'kabul karna' instead of just 'sorry'.

⚠️

Gender Agreement

Remember that in the past tense, it's 'kabul kiya' for masculine objects and 'kabul ki' for feminine objects.

In 15 Seconds

  • Means to admit, confess, or formally accept.
  • Carries weight of responsibility and sincerity.
  • Use for mistakes, truths, proposals, not casual 'yes'.
  • More formal than 'maan lena' or 'haan kehna'.

What It Means

Kabul karna is more than just admitting; it's about formally accepting or confessing something. It carries a weight of responsibility. You're not just saying a fact; you're acknowledging it. It can be used for mistakes, truths, proposals, or even challenges. It’s like saying, 'Okay, I own this.' It's a serious word, not for casual 'oopsies.'

How To Use It

Use kabul karna when you need to express a formal acceptance or confession. It fits when you admit a mistake, confess to a crime (though that's a bit dramatic for daily use!), or accept an offer. It works with nouns like galti (mistake), sach (truth), or prastaav (proposal). Remember, it's about owning what you say. Don't use it for just agreeing to plans; that's too heavy!

Real-Life Examples

Imagine confessing to your friend that you ate the last cookie. You might say, 'Haan, maine hi galti kabul ki.' (Yes, I admitted the mistake.) Or in a job interview, accepting a challenging project: 'Main yeh zimmedari kabul karta hoon.' (I accept this responsibility.) It’s used in serious moments, not when you're just saying 'yes' to pizza.

When To Use It

Use kabul karna when you're confessing a wrongdoing. Think of admitting you broke something valuable. It's perfect for accepting a formal offer, like a marriage proposal or a job offer. It's also used when you acknowledge a difficult truth. Use it when sincerity and ownership are key. It adds a layer of seriousness you can't ignore.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use kabul karna for simple agreements or casual 'yes' answers. Saying 'I accept this coffee' sounds super weird. You wouldn't use it to agree to meet a friend for lunch. That’s way too formal and intense! Stick to simpler words like theek hai (okay) or haan (yes) for everyday stuff. It’s not for agreeing with someone’s opinion on a movie either.

Common Mistakes

Using kabul karna when you mean to simply agree is a big one. For instance, saying 'Main tumhari baat kabul karta hoon' (I accept your talk) sounds like you're formally surrendering to their argument. The right way depends on context. If you agree with their point, main tumhari baat samajhta hoon (I understand your point) or main tumse sehmat hoon (I agree with you) works better. Another mistake is using it for liking something. You don't 'admit' a song; you 'like' it.

Main tumhari shart kabul karta hoon Main tumhari shart maan leta hoon (I accept your condition)
Kya tum yeh khana kabul karoge? Kya tum yeh khana khaoge? (Will you eat this food?)

Similar Expressions

  • Maan lena: This is a more general term for 'to accept' or 'to agree.' It's less formal than kabul karna. You can maan lena a suggestion easily.
  • Sweekar karna: Similar to kabul karna, often used for accepting gifts, honors, or formal proposals. It feels a bit more official.
  • Haan kehna: Simply means 'to say yes.' It's the most basic agreement, used for almost anything.

Common Variations

  • Kabul hai: This means 'It is accepted' or 'It is permissible.' Often used in religious contexts or when something is officially approved. 'Tumhari dua kabul hai.' (Your prayer is accepted.)
  • Kabuliyat: This is the noun form, meaning 'acceptance' or 'confession.' 'Usne apni kabuliyat di.' (He gave his confession.)

Memory Trick

💡

Imagine a king saying, 'I kabul karna !' (I accept this king !). The word kabul sounds a bit like ' Kabul', the capital of Afghanistan, a place that has seen many serious historical events. Think of admitting something significant, like a king admitting a treaty or a confession. It’s a serious act, not a casual chat.

Quick FAQ

Q. Is kabul karna always serious?

A. Mostly, yes. It implies owning up to something, unlike a simple 'yes'. Think admitting a mistake, not agreeing to movie night.

Q. Can I use it for accepting a gift?

A. You *can*, but sweekar karna or maan lena might sound more natural and polite for gifts.

Q. What if I just want to say 'okay' to plans?

A. Definitely use theek hai or haan. Kabul karna is too formal and heavy for casual plans. It would sound like you're signing a treaty!

Usage Notes

This phrase carries a sense of seriousness and ownership. While it can be used neutrally, it's generally not for lighthearted or casual agreements. Using it inappropriately can sound overly dramatic or insincere, so choose contexts where admitting or formally accepting is the clear intent.

💡

Use for Sincerity

If you want to sound like you really mean an apology, use 'kabul karna' instead of just 'sorry'.

⚠️

Gender Agreement

Remember that in the past tense, it's 'kabul kiya' for masculine objects and 'kabul ki' for feminine objects.

🎯

The 'Q' Sound

In Urdu-influenced Hindi, the 'K' in 'Kabul' is actually a 'Q' (uvular), pronounced deeper in the throat. Using this makes you sound like a native speaker!

💬

Wedding Etiquette

If you attend a Muslim wedding, listen for the 'Qubool Hai'—it's the most important moment!

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend about a shared mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Haan yaar, meri hi galti thi, maine `kabul kiya`.

Yeah man, it was my fault, I admitted it.

Here, `kabul kiya` (past tense) is used to confess a personal mistake.

#2 Accepting a job offer via email
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Main aapki naukri ki offer `kabul karta hoon`.

I accept your job offer.

This is a formal acceptance of a significant offer.

#3 A character confessing in a drama scene
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Maine woh kaam kiya hai, main yeh `kabul karta hoon`!

I did that deed, I admit it!

Used here for a dramatic confession, emphasizing full ownership.

#4 Instagram caption about overcoming a challenge

Apni kamzoriyon ko `kabul karna` hi asal jeet hai.

Admitting your weaknesses is the real victory.

Highlights accepting personal flaws as a strength.

#5 Responding to a proposal
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Main tumhara prastaav `kabul karti hoon`.

I accept your proposal.

A classic, formal acceptance, often romantic or serious.

A learner making a mistake in a sentence Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ Main yeh chai `kabul karta hoon` → ✓ Main yeh chai peeta hoon / Mujhe yeh chai pasand hai

✗ I accept this tea → ✓ I drink this tea / I like this tea

Using `kabul karna` for simply drinking or liking something is incorrect.

A learner mistaking it for simple agreement Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ Kya tum aa rahe ho? Haan, `kabul hai`! → ✓ Haan, theek hai! / Haan, aa raha hoon!

✗ Are you coming? Yes, it is accepted! → ✓ Yes, okay! / Yes, I'm coming!

`Kabul hai` is not a casual agreement; it means 'it is accepted/permissible'.

#8 A character confessing in a TV show
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Mujhe maaf kar do, maine sab `kabul kar liya`.

Forgive me, I confessed everything.

Implies confessing all wrongdoings to seek forgiveness.

#9 Formal acceptance in a meeting
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Hum aapki shart ko `kabul karne` ke liye taiyar hain.

We are ready to accept your condition.

Used in a business context for agreeing to terms.

#10 A vlogger sharing a personal story
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Apne darr ko `kabul karna` bahut mushkil tha.

Admitting my fear was very difficult.

Focuses on the internal struggle of acknowledging a personal feeling.

#11 Responding to a formal request
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Ji haan, main yeh zimmedari `kabul karta hoon`.

Yes, I accept this responsibility.

A polite and formal way to take on a duty.

#12 Humorous take on admitting a small flaw
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Okay, okay, main `kabul karta hoon`, mujhe chocolate bahut pasand hai!

Okay, okay, I admit it, I really like chocolate!

Slightly humorous use, admitting a 'flaw' playfully.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'kabul karna'.

उसने अपनी हार _______।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: कबूल की

Since 'Haar' (defeat) is feminine, the past tense verb must be 'ki'.

Which situation is most appropriate for 'kabul karna'?

In which scenario would you say 'kabul hai'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Accepting a marriage proposal

'Kabul hai' is the traditional way to accept a formal proposal or marriage.

Complete the dialogue.

Police: क्या तुमने चोरी की? Thief: हाँ साहब, मैं अपना जुर्म _______ हूँ।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: कबूल करता

The thief is speaking in the present tense about himself (masculine).

Match the phrase to the context.

Match 'Chunauti kabul hai' to its context.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A fight/competition

'Chunauti' means challenge, so it fits a competition.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'kabul karna'. Fill Blank B1

उसने अपनी हार _______।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: कबूल की

Since 'Haar' (defeat) is feminine, the past tense verb must be 'ki'.

Which situation is most appropriate for 'kabul karna'? Choose A2

In which scenario would you say 'kabul hai'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Accepting a marriage proposal

'Kabul hai' is the traditional way to accept a formal proposal or marriage.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

Police: क्या तुमने चोरी की? Thief: हाँ साहब, मैं अपना जुर्म _______ हूँ।

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: कबूल करता

The thief is speaking in the present tense about himself (masculine).

Match the phrase to the context. situation_matching A2

Match 'Chunauti kabul hai' to its context.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A fight/competition

'Chunauti' means challenge, so it fits a competition.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

12 questions

Yes, it is the most common way to say 'confess' in both legal and personal contexts.

It's better to use 'swikar karna' or 'join karna' for job offers. 'Kabul' sounds a bit too dramatic for HR.

It's the same word. 'Qubool' reflects the original Arabic/Urdu pronunciation with a 'Q' sound.

Not at all! It is a very respectful and sincere way to admit something.

Only if the gift is very formal or symbolic. For a birthday gift, use 'shukriya' or 'lena'.

The opposite is 'inkar karna' (to deny) or 'thukrana' (to reject).

Yes, especially when talking about mistakes or serious agreements.

The verb 'karna' changes (karta hoon, karte hain), but 'kabul' stays the same.

Yes, to admit a project failure or accept a formal challenge/proposal.

It is equally common in both, as it is a core part of Hindustani.

You say 'Mujhe kabul nahi hai'.

In very casual speech, people just say 'Maan liya' (I accepted/admitted).

Related Phrases

🔄

स्वीकार करना

synonym

To accept

🔗

मानना

similar

To agree/believe

🔗

इकरार करना

similar

To confess/declare

🔗

तस्लीम करना

specialized form

To submit/accept

🔗

ठुकराना

contrast

To reject

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!