In 15 Seconds
- Used for paying transport fares like taxis and buses.
- Also used for paying monthly house or shop rent.
- Combines the noun 'kiraya' (fare/rent) with the verb 'dena' (to give).
Meaning
It is the simple act of paying for a ride or your monthly rent. Whether you are handing cash to an auto-driver or transferring money to your landlord, this is your go-to phrase.
Key Examples
3 of 6Paying an auto-rickshaw driver
भैया, अपना किराया ले लीजिए।
Brother, please take your fare.
Discussing monthly rent with a roommate
क्या तुमने इस महीने का किराया दे दिया?
Did you pay this month's rent?
At a formal rental office
मैं यहाँ दुकान का किराया देने आया हूँ।
I have come here to pay the shop rent.
Cultural Background
In cities like Mumbai and Delhi, 'kiraya dena' is a major monthly event. Rent is usually paid in the first week of the month. Landlords are often called 'Uncle' or 'Aunty' as a sign of respect, even in a commercial relationship. When paying 'kiraya' in a crowded bus, it's common to pass money through other passengers to reach the conductor. This shows a high level of social trust and cooperation. The phrase 'किराया देना' now almost always involves the question 'QR code hai?' (Is there a QR code?). Even small auto-rickshaws in remote towns now accept digital rent/fare payments. In many parts of India, the 'kiraya' for a taxi or rickshaw is not fixed. 'Kiraya dena' often follows a 'mol-bhav' (bargaining) session where the price is agreed upon before the journey starts.
Use 'Bhada' for transport
While 'kiraya' is correct, using 'bhada' for rickshaws makes you sound more like a local in North India.
Don't forget the 'Ne'
In the past tense, always say 'Maine kiraya diya', not 'Main kiraya diya'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for paying transport fares like taxis and buses.
- Also used for paying monthly house or shop rent.
- Combines the noun 'kiraya' (fare/rent) with the verb 'dena' (to give).
What It Means
किराया देना is your bread and butter for daily life. It covers paying for any transport service. It also applies to your monthly apartment rent. Think of it as 'paying for temporary use.' You aren't buying the car or the house. You are just paying to use it for a while.
How To Use It
Use किराया followed by the verb देना. The verb changes based on the tense. For example, दिया is past and दूँगा is future. You usually mention the vehicle or place first. To ask how much, say किराया कितना हुआ?. It is a very flexible and essential phrase for travelers.
When To Use It
Use it when exiting a taxi or rickshaw. Use it on the 1st of the month for rent. It works for buses, trains, and even rented bicycles. It is perfect for any 'pay-as-you-go' travel situation. If you are sharing a cab, you might say this to your friends.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for buying things like groceries. That is पैसे देना. Don't use it for utility bills like electricity. For bills, we usually say बिल भरना. Avoid it when paying for a service like a haircut. It is specifically for transport or property usage.
Cultural Background
In India, paying fare often involves a bit of negotiation. Always ask कितना हुआ? before reaching for your wallet. In big cities, digital payments are now very common. However, keeping small change for rickshaws is still a lifesaver. It is common for friends to argue over who pays the fare.
Common Variations
You might hear भाड़ा देना in Mumbai or Kolkata. It means the exact same thing but feels more local. किराया चुकाना sounds a bit more final, like settling a debt. In formal documents, you might see किराया भुगतान for rent payment.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile and works in both formal and informal settings. Just remember that 'dena' (to give) must be conjugated to match the subject and tense of your sentence.
Use 'Bhada' for transport
While 'kiraya' is correct, using 'bhada' for rickshaws makes you sound more like a local in North India.
Don't forget the 'Ne'
In the past tense, always say 'Maine kiraya diya', not 'Main kiraya diya'.
The 'Chutta' problem
Always carry small change. Drivers often say they don't have change to avoid giving it back!
Rent vs. Fare
Remember this one word covers both English 'rent' and 'fare'. It simplifies your vocabulary!
Examples
6भैया, अपना किराया ले लीजिए।
Brother, please take your fare.
A polite way to hand over money after a ride.
क्या तुमने इस महीने का किराया दे दिया?
Did you pay this month's rent?
Common household talk about shared expenses.
मैं यहाँ दुकान का किराया देने आया हूँ।
I have come here to pay the shop rent.
Used in a professional or business context.
टैक्सी का किराया मैं दे दूँगा, तुम चिंता मत करो।
I will pay the taxi fare, don't worry.
Generous tone between friends.
इतना किराया देने के बाद भी बस में जगह नहीं है!
Even after paying so much fare, there is no space in the bus!
Expressing frustration with a touch of humor.
मेरे पास किराया देने के पैसे नहीं हैं।
I don't have money to pay the rent.
Used to express financial struggle.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'dena'.
मैंने कल ऑटो का किराया ______।
The sentence refers to 'kal' (yesterday), so the past tense 'diya' is required.
Which sentence is correct for 'I have to pay rent'?
Choose the correct Hindi translation:
Obligation is expressed using the dative subject (mujhe) + infinitive (dena) + hai.
Complete the dialogue between a passenger and a driver.
Passenger: स्टेशन का कितना ______ देना होगा? Driver: सौ रुपये लगेंगे।
'Kiraya' is the standard word for transport fares.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are talking to your landlord on the 1st of the month.
Paying rent is the relevant action for a landlord interaction.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Kiraya vs. Keemat
Practice Bank
4 exercisesमैंने कल ऑटो का किराया ______।
The sentence refers to 'kal' (yesterday), so the past tense 'diya' is required.
Choose the correct Hindi translation:
Obligation is expressed using the dative subject (mujhe) + infinitive (dena) + hai.
Passenger: स्टेशन का कितना ______ देना होगा? Driver: सौ रुपये लगेंगे।
'Kiraya' is the standard word for transport fares.
Situation: You are talking to your landlord on the 1st of the month.
Paying rent is the relevant action for a landlord interaction.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsUsually, for hotels, we use 'room charges' or 'bill'. However, if you stay for a long time (months), you can say 'kiraya'.
It is masculine. So you say 'kitna kiraya' (how much rent), not 'kitni'.
'Kiraya' is more formal and used for houses. 'Bhada' is more informal and used for transport or moving goods.
You say 'Kiraya kitna hai?'
No, for a ticket, you use 'ticket ke paise' or 'ticket ki keemat'.
Yes, in urban areas, 'rent dena' is very common Hinglish.
Say 'Maine kiraya de diya hai'.
A landlord is 'Makan Maalik' (House Owner).
For flights, 'ticket' or 'fare' (English words) are more common, but 'kiraya' is technically correct.
The form remains 'kiraya' in most contexts, but in oblique plural, it becomes 'kirayon'.
No, you pay 'paise' or 'fees' for their work/labor (mazdoori).
You can say 'Kiraya dena baaki hai' (Rent is left to be given).
Yes, many songs use it to describe the temporary nature of life or home.
Yes, 'Car ka kiraya' is perfectly correct.
Related Phrases
किराये पर लेना
similarTo take on rent
किराये पर देना
contrastTo let out on rent
भाड़ा चुकाना
synonymTo settle the fare
मुफ़्त में जाना
contrastTo go for free
किराया बढ़ाना
builds onTo increase the rent
