In 15 Seconds
- Used to postpone picking up or taking an item.
- Perfect for casual settings with friends and family.
- Combines 'Kal' (tomorrow) with 'Le jaana' (to take away).
Meaning
This phrase is a simple way to tell someone to pick something up or take it away tomorrow instead of today. It is a common way to postpone a transaction or a favor in a friendly, relaxed manner.
Key Examples
3 of 6Lending a book to a friend
Yeh lo kitab, par kal le jaana.
Take this book, but take it tomorrow.
A shopkeeper talking to a regular customer
Samaan taiyar nahi hai, kal le jaana.
The stuff isn't ready, take it tomorrow.
In a professional but relaxed office
File table par hai, kal le jaana.
The file is on the table, take it tomorrow.
Cultural Background
In markets like Chandni Chowk, 'Kal le jana' is a sign of a 'pukka' (solid) relationship. It means the shopkeeper trusts you'll return and you trust they'll finish the work. Hosts often use this phrase to encourage guests to visit again. It's a way of saying 'our interaction isn't over'. In modern tech hubs like Bangalore, this phrase is being replaced by 'I'll ping you tomorrow', but it still survives in the office cafeteria or with the 'Admin' staff. In agricultural settings, borrowing tools is common. 'Kal le jana' is said with a sense of community sharing.
Add 'na' for sweetness
Saying 'Kal le jana na' makes it sound much more friendly and less like a command.
Watch the 'Kal'
Always ensure your verb is in the future or imperative form so people don't think you're talking about yesterday.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to postpone picking up or taking an item.
- Perfect for casual settings with friends and family.
- Combines 'Kal' (tomorrow) with 'Le jaana' (to take away).
What It Means
Kal le jaana is your go-to phrase for hitting the snooze button on a task. It literally means "take it tomorrow." You use it when something isn't ready yet. Or maybe you just don't want to deal with it today. It is simple, direct, and very common in daily life.
How To Use It
Just drop it at the end of a sentence. You can use it as a standalone command or a suggestion. If a friend asks for their book back, say Kal le jaana. It sounds natural and effortless. You don't need complex grammar here. Just the date and the action.
When To Use It
Use it with your local shopkeeper or your neighbor. It works perfectly when you are lending something out. Use it when you are too tired to find that charger your sibling wants. It is great for low-stakes situations. It keeps the conversation moving without making things awkward.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this with your boss during a high-stakes deadline. It can sound a bit dismissive if used in a very formal setting. Don't use it if the person needs the item urgently for an emergency. In formal emails, use more polite versions like Kal le jaiye. Using it with elders might seem a bit too casual.
Cultural Background
In India, time can be quite fluid. The word Kal actually means both "tomorrow" and "yesterday." Context is everything! This phrase reflects the relaxed pace of local markets and neighborhoods. It is part of the "Chalta Hai" (it's okay/it goes) attitude. It’s about trust and the promise of a future meeting.
Common Variations
Kal le lena(Take it tomorrow - slightly more passive)Kal le jaiye(Please take it tomorrow - formal)Kal pakka le jaana(Definitely take it tomorrow - adds a promise)Abhi chhodo, kal le jaana(Leave it now, take it tomorrow - very casual)
Usage Notes
This is an A1 level phrase that is perfectly safe for daily interactions. Just remember to use the 'jaiye' ending if you are speaking to someone much older or in a position of high authority.
Add 'na' for sweetness
Saying 'Kal le jana na' makes it sound much more friendly and less like a command.
Watch the 'Kal'
Always ensure your verb is in the future or imperative form so people don't think you're talking about yesterday.
The 'Kal' Promise
In India, 'Kal' sometimes means 'soon' rather than strictly 'tomorrow'. Don't be surprised if it takes two days!
Examples
6Yeh lo kitab, par kal le jaana.
Take this book, but take it tomorrow.
The speaker is setting a time for the handover.
Samaan taiyar nahi hai, kal le jaana.
The stuff isn't ready, take it tomorrow.
Commonly used when work is pending.
File table par hai, kal le jaana.
The file is on the table, take it tomorrow.
Used between colleagues who are close.
Tera hoodie mere paas hai, kal le jaana.
I have your hoodie, take it tomorrow.
Short and direct for texting.
Saara khana aaj hi khaoge? Kuch kal le jaana!
Will you eat all the food today? Take some tomorrow!
Used jokingly to stop someone from overeating.
Yeh yaadgaar hai, ise kal le jaana.
This is a memento, take it tomorrow.
Delaying the handover to spend more time together.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to say 'Take the book tomorrow'.
किताब ___ ले जाना।
'Kal' means tomorrow, which fits the phrase 'Kal le jana'.
Which sentence is the most polite for a boss?
Choose the correct form:
The '-iyega' ending is the formal future imperative, appropriate for superiors.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Situation: You forgot your keys at a friend's house. Friend says:
The friend wants you to 'take' the keys away tomorrow.
Complete the dialogue.
A: क्या मेरा जूता ठीक हो गया? B: नहीं, अभी समय लगेगा। ___।
If it's not ready, the shopkeeper will ask you to take it tomorrow.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesकिताब ___ ले जाना।
'Kal' means tomorrow, which fits the phrase 'Kal le jana'.
Choose the correct form:
The '-iyega' ending is the formal future imperative, appropriate for superiors.
Situation: You forgot your keys at a friend's house. Friend says:
The friend wants you to 'take' the keys away tomorrow.
A: क्या मेरा जूता ठीक हो गया? B: नहीं, अभी समय लगेगा। ___।
If it's not ready, the shopkeeper will ask you to take it tomorrow.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot among friends or in markets. It's neutral-informal. With elders, use 'le jaiyega'.
No, it means yesterday too. The verb 'jana' (to go) tells us it's the future here.
Usually, we say 'Kal bhej dunga' (I will send it tomorrow) for files.
'Le jana' emphasizes carrying it away. 'Le lena' emphasizes the act of taking/receiving it.
Use 'Parson le jana'.
Yes, 'le jao' is the standard 'Tum' imperative. It's very common.
Constantly! It's a staple in any scene involving a shop or a neighborly dispute.
Say 'Main kal le jaunga'.
Yes, if you're talking about luggage or a forgotten item.
It's a compound verb. 'Jana' adds the sense of 'away' to the action of taking.
Related Phrases
कल ले लेना
similarTake it tomorrow (focus on receiving)
कल ले आना
contrastBring it tomorrow
परसों ले जाना
builds onTake it the day after tomorrow
ले जाओ
specialized formTake it away (now)
