Meaning
Used to express a need for a longer duration.
Cultural Background
Politeness is key. Using this phrase prevents the 'loss of face' associated with saying 'no'. It is standard in emails and meetings to indicate you are working on a task. Used when someone asks for a favor you aren't sure about.
Add 'Please'
Adding 'kripya' at the start makes it very formal.
Don't be too blunt
Avoid just saying 'samay chahiye' without 'mujhe'.
Meaning
Used to express a need for a longer duration.
Add 'Please'
Adding 'kripya' at the start makes it very formal.
Don't be too blunt
Avoid just saying 'samay chahiye' without 'mujhe'.
Use 'aur'
Add 'aur' (more) to say 'I need *more* time'.
Test Yourself
Select the correct sentence.
Which is correct?
Dative case 'mujhe' is required.
Fill in the blank.
___ थोड़ा समय चाहिए।
The speaker needs the time, so 'to me' (mujhe) is used.
Complete the dialogue.
Boss: Can you finish this now? You: _____
This is the most polite way to ask for a delay.
Match the word to its meaning.
Match 'samay' to its English equivalent.
Samay means time.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhich is correct?
Dative case 'mujhe' is required.
___ थोड़ा समय चाहिए।
The speaker needs the time, so 'to me' (mujhe) is used.
Boss: Can you finish this now? You: _____
This is the most polite way to ask for a delay.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Samay means time.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt is neutral. It works in both professional and casual settings.
Yes, but they might prefer 'ruk ja' (wait).
Only if the object is plural, but 'samay' is singular.
Use 'Mujhe bahut samay chahiye'.
No, it is the standard polite way to ask for time.
Yes, 'Mujhe thoda waqt chahiye' is perfectly fine.
Hindi uses the dative case for needs and desires.
Use 'Mujhe thoda samay chahiye tha'.
Related Phrases
मुझे सोचना पड़ेगा
similarI will have to think
थोड़ा रुकिए
similarWait a little
जल्दी करो
contrastHurry up
