Meaning
To ask for advice on how to respond verbally.
Cultural Background
In North Indian families, silence is often seen as a sign of respect (Maryada). Asking 'What should I say?' often results in the advice to say very little and listen more. Modern Indian offices are a mix of Western hierarchy and Indian values. Using 'Sir/Ma'am' is common, and asking for advice on speech is seen as being a 'team player'. Weddings are complex social webs. You must greet everyone according to their relation to the bride/groom. This phrase is a lifesaver for outsiders. On apps like WhatsApp or Instagram, 'Mujhe kya kehna chahiye' is often shortened to 'Kya bolun?' and used to ask for 'rizz' or clever replies.
The 'Bolna' Swap
If you are in a casual setting (like with friends), use 'bolna' instead of 'kehna'. It sounds more natural and less like a textbook.
Subject Error
Never say 'Main kya kehna chahiye'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Always 'Mujhe'.
Meaning
To ask for advice on how to respond verbally.
The 'Bolna' Swap
If you are in a casual setting (like with friends), use 'bolna' instead of 'kehna'. It sounds more natural and less like a textbook.
Subject Error
Never say 'Main kya kehna chahiye'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Always 'Mujhe'.
The Power of Silence
In India, sometimes the best answer to 'What should I say?' is 'Nothing'. Listening is a form of respect.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct subject for the phrase '___ क्या कहना चाहिए?'
___ क्या कहना चाहिए?
The verb 'chahiye' always takes the dative subject 'mujhe'.
Fill in the missing verb to ask 'What should I say?'
मुझे क्या ___ चाहिए?
The infinitive form 'kehna' is used with 'chahiye'.
Match the situation to the correct Hindi sentence.
You are at a job interview and want to know how to talk about your salary.
This specifically asks about salary (सैलरी).
Complete the dialogue.
A: कल मेरा इंटरव्यू है। B: बहुत अच्छा! A: पर मुझे समझ नहीं आ रहा कि ___?
Both 'Mujhe kya kehna chahiye' and 'Main kya kahun' are natural in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises___ क्या कहना चाहिए?
The verb 'chahiye' always takes the dative subject 'mujhe'.
मुझे क्या ___ चाहिए?
The infinitive form 'kehna' is used with 'chahiye'.
You are at a job interview and want to know how to talk about your salary.
This specifically asks about salary (सैलरी).
A: कल मेरा इंटरव्यू है। B: बहुत अच्छा! A: पर मुझे समझ नहीं आ रहा कि ___?
Both 'Mujhe kya kehna chahiye' and 'Main kya kahun' are natural in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for that use 'Mujhe kya karna chahiye?'. 'Kehna' specifically refers to speaking.
Both are correct, but 'Mujhe' is much more common in conversation.
Add 'tha' at the end: 'मुझे क्या कहना चाहिए था?' (Mujhe kya kehna chahiye tha?)
Yes, it is very neutral and polite. It shows you are seeking guidance.
The phrase itself doesn't change, but you might ask 'Aapko kya lagta hai, mujhe kya kehna chahiye?' (What do you think, what should I say?)
'Kehna' is 'to say' (content), 'bolna' is 'to speak' (act).
Yes, 'Mujhe pani chahiye' means 'I want water'. Context tells you if it's 'want' or 'should'.
Yes, 'Kya bolun?' is a very common informal alternative.
You can say 'Aapko sach bolna chahiye' (You should tell the truth).
Constantly! It's a staple for romantic confusion scenes.
Related Phrases
क्या कहूँ?
similarWhat can I say? / What should I say?
मुझे क्या करना चाहिए?
builds onWhat should I do?
कुछ तो कहो
contrastSay something!
कहना आसान है
specialized formEasier said than done.
