In 15 Seconds
- Used to tell someone to proceed without you.
- Commonly used when running late or stuck in traffic.
- Friendly and direct but slightly informal due to the verb ending.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct way to tell someone they shouldn't wait for you or something else. It is perfect for when you are running late or want someone to start an activity without you.
Key Examples
3 of 6Stuck in traffic while friends are at a restaurant
Main traffic mein phansa hoon, tum log mat intezar karo.
I am stuck in traffic, you guys don't wait.
Finishing a task at the office
Aap mera mat intezar karo, main thodi der mein aaunga.
Don't wait for me, I will come in a little while.
Texting a friend about a movie
Movie shuru karo, mat intezar karo!
Start the movie, don't wait!
Cultural Background
In cities like Delhi, 'intezaar' is often replaced by the English word 'wait' in casual speech, resulting in 'Wait mat karo'. Punctuality is becoming stricter in tech hubs like Bangalore. Using this phrase shows you respect your colleagues' time. Elders will often insist on waiting for you to eat, even if you say 'mat intezaar karo'. It's a sign of love. Waiting (Intezaar) is a massive theme in songs. Telling someone *not* to wait can sometimes imply a breakup or a sad departure.
The 'Mera' Rule
Always add 'Mera' (my) before the phrase if you are the one who is late. It makes it clear who they shouldn't wait for.
The 'Z' Sound
Many Hindi speakers pronounce 'Intezaar' as 'Intejaar' (with a J). While common, the 'Z' sound is more 'correct' and sophisticated.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to tell someone to proceed without you.
- Commonly used when running late or stuck in traffic.
- Friendly and direct but slightly informal due to the verb ending.
What It Means
Mat intezar karo is your go-to phrase for releasing someone from the burden of waiting. It combines mat (don't), intezar (wait), and karo (do). It is simple and very common. You are basically giving someone a green light to move on. It is helpful when you are stuck in traffic. It is also great when you want your friends to start eating.
How To Use It
Place it at the end of your sentence. You can use it by itself for a quick text. If you want to be specific, add the reason first. For example, say you are stuck at work. Just tell your friend to go ahead. It works perfectly in spoken Hindi. It is very natural and flows easily. You don't need complex grammar to make this work. Just drop it into the conversation.
When To Use It
Use it when you are running late for a movie. Use it if you are busy with a long phone call. It is great for group chats when everyone is hungry. If you are finishing a task at the office, tell your colleagues this. It shows you are being thoughtful of their time. It prevents that awkward 'standing around' phase. It is a very polite way to be practical.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this with your boss or elders. The word karo is a bit casual for them. For elders, you should use mat kijiye instead. Don't use it if you actually want someone to wait! It sounds very final and decisive. If you are only five minutes away, maybe don't use it. It might make the other person feel like you are canceling. Use it only when the delay is significant.
Cultural Background
In India, waiting is almost a social art form. People often wait out of politeness even if they are starving. Telling someone mat intezar karo is a sign of modern efficiency. It breaks the cycle of 'forced politeness.' It shows you value the other person's schedule over tradition. It is a very 'city life' expression. It reflects the fast-paced nature of modern Indian metros.
Common Variations
You can change the ending based on who you talk to. For close friends, mat kar is the shorter, punchier version. For a group or a polite setting, use mat kijiye. You can also say mera intezar mat karo to mean 'don't wait for me.' If you want to sound more urgent, add bilkul (at all). So, bilkul intezar mat karo means 'really, don't wait at all!'
Usage Notes
This phrase is A2 level because it uses the standard imperative form. It is neutral-informal; use 'kijiye' instead of 'karo' for formal situations.
The 'Mera' Rule
Always add 'Mera' (my) before the phrase if you are the one who is late. It makes it clear who they shouldn't wait for.
The 'Z' Sound
Many Hindi speakers pronounce 'Intezaar' as 'Intejaar' (with a J). While common, the 'Z' sound is more 'correct' and sophisticated.
Polite Insistence
If someone tells you 'mat intezaar karo', it's polite to ask 'Are you sure?' (Pakka?) at least once before actually leaving.
Texting Shortcut
In WhatsApp, people often just write 'Wait mat karna' or 'Don't wait'.
Examples
6Main traffic mein phansa hoon, tum log mat intezar karo.
I am stuck in traffic, you guys don't wait.
A classic use case to let friends start their meal.
Aap mera mat intezar karo, main thodi der mein aaunga.
Don't wait for me, I will come in a little while.
Using 'aap' makes this slightly more respectful.
Movie shuru karo, mat intezar karo!
Start the movie, don't wait!
Short and punchy for a quick text message.
Main saari dukaan dekhungi, mera mat intezar karo!
I will look at the whole shop, don't wait for me!
Used humorously to acknowledge one's own slow pace.
Ab mera aur mat intezar karo.
Don't wait for me anymore.
Adding 'aur' (more) gives it a heavy, emotional weight.
Khana thanda ho raha hai, mat intezar karo.
The food is getting cold, don't wait.
Practical advice for a family member.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct way to tell your friend not to wait for you.
मैं लेट हूँ, मेरा _________।
'Mat' is used for informal commands with friends.
Fill in the blank with the correct formal word.
सर, आप मेरा इंतज़ार मत _________।
'Kijiye' is the formal imperative used with 'Aap'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: बस आ गई है! B: तुम जाओ, _________।
B is telling A to go and not wait.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a motivational poster?
'Don't wait for tomorrow' is a common motivational saying.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Objects of Waiting
People
- • Mera (Me)
- • Dost (Friend)
- • Mehmaan (Guest)
Transport
- • Bus
- • Train
- • Taxi
Abstract
- • Samay (Time)
- • Mauka (Chance)
- • Jawaab (Answer)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesमैं लेट हूँ, मेरा _________।
'Mat' is used for informal commands with friends.
सर, आप मेरा इंतज़ार मत _________।
'Kijiye' is the formal imperative used with 'Aap'.
A: बस आ गई है! B: तुम जाओ, _________।
B is telling A to go and not wait.
Which phrase fits a motivational poster?
'Don't wait for tomorrow' is a common motivational saying.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, both are correct. 'Intezaar mat karo' is slightly more common in standard grammar, while 'Mat intezaar karo' is very common in spoken emphasis.
Not inherently. With 'karo', it's neutral. With 'kar' (tu), it's very informal. With 'kijiye' (aap), it's perfectly polite.
'Intezaar' is common/everyday (Persian origin). 'Pratiksha' is formal/literary (Sanskrit origin).
Use 'Mujhe intezaar mat karwao' (मुझे इंतज़ार मत करवाओ).
Yes, but use the formal version: 'Mera intezaar mat kijiye' or 'Pratiksha na karein'.
'Nahi' is for negating facts (I don't wait). 'Mat' is for negating actions/commands (Don't wait!).
In big cities, yes. 'Wait mat karo' is very common Hinglish.
Bus ka intezaar mat karo.
Usually, yes. It can come before the whole phrase or just before 'karo'.
Zyada der intezaar mat karo.
All the time! It's a staple of dramatic departures and romantic sacrifices.
Yes, you can use 'mat karo' or the even more informal 'mat kar'.
Related Phrases
राह देखना
synonymTo watch the path (to wait)
रुकना
similarTo stop/stay
देर होना
builds onTo be late
आगे बढ़ना
contrastTo move forward
प्रतीक्षा करना
specialized formTo wait (Sanskritized)
