In 15 Seconds
- Used to report poor phone signal or slow internet connection.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual family phone calls.
- A polite way to explain why you are hanging up.
Meaning
This phrase is used to tell someone that your phone signal or internet connection is poor. It is the go-to excuse for dropped calls or slow video chats in India.
Key Examples
3 of 6On a professional video call
माफ़ कीजिए, यहाँ नेटवर्क कमज़ोर है।
I am sorry, the network is weak here.
Talking to a friend while traveling
भाई, नेटवर्क कमज़ोर है, बाद में फोन करता हूँ।
Bro, the network is weak, I'll call you later.
Trying to avoid a boring relative
हेलो? हेलो? नेटवर्क बहुत कमज़ोर है!
Hello? Hello? The network is very weak!
Cultural Background
In India, people often use 'Network kamzor hai' as a polite way to end a conversation they don't want to have. It's socially acceptable and avoids hurt feelings. During the WFH (Work From Home) era, this phrase became a meme. Employees often use it to avoid turning on their cameras during meetings. In villages, finding a 'network spot' is a common activity. You might see groups of people standing in a specific corner of a field where the signal is strong. At large weddings with thousands of guests, mobile towers often get overloaded, making 'Network kamzor hai' the most heard phrase of the night.
The Balcony Trick
If you say 'Network kamzor hai', the next logical step in India is to say 'Main balcony mein jaata hoon' (I am going to the balcony).
Don't say 'Kamzori'
Remember, 'Kamzori' is a noun meaning physical weakness/illness. Stick to 'Kamzor'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to report poor phone signal or slow internet connection.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual family phone calls.
- A polite way to explain why you are hanging up.
What It Means
नेटवर्क कमज़ोर है (Network kamzor hai) is a very straightforward phrase. It literally means the network is weak. You use it when your voice is cracking on a call. You use it when a video freezes. It is a universal tech-frustration expression in modern India.
How To Use It
You can say it as a standalone sentence. If someone says "Hello?" repeatedly, just shout this back. You can also add यहाँ (yahan - here) at the start. This clarifies that the problem is at your location. It is a simple Subject-Adjective-Verb structure. Even beginners can master this in seconds.
When To Use It
Use it during any digital communication hiccup. It is perfect for professional Zoom calls. It works great when talking to your parents on WhatsApp. Use it when you are in a basement or an elevator. It is the most polite way to end a boring conversation too. Just pretend the signal is dying!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for physical objects. You cannot say a chair is कमज़ोर (kamzor) in this specific context. Do not use it if the person's voice is just low. In that case, say the volume is low. Also, avoid it if the battery is dead. That is a different problem entirely.
Cultural Background
India has the world's cheapest data, but signal strength varies wildly. From high-tech Bangalore offices to remote Himalayan villages, everyone knows this phrase. It has become a bit of a national joke. People often use it as a 'social escape' button. If a conversation gets awkward, the network suddenly becomes 'weak'. It is the modern version of 'the dog ate my homework'.
Common Variations
You might hear सिग्नल नहीं आ रहे (Signal nahi aa rahe). This means 'signals are not coming'. Another one is आवाज़ कट रही है (Awaaz kat rahi hai). This means 'the voice is cutting'. Both are cousins to our main phrase. They all describe the same digital struggle.
Usage Notes
This phrase is extremely versatile. It uses the English loanword 'Network' combined with the Hindi adjective 'Kamzor'. It is safe for all social settings.
The Balcony Trick
If you say 'Network kamzor hai', the next logical step in India is to say 'Main balcony mein jaata hoon' (I am going to the balcony).
Don't say 'Kamzori'
Remember, 'Kamzori' is a noun meaning physical weakness/illness. Stick to 'Kamzor'.
Use 'Thoda'
Adding 'thoda' (a little) before 'kamzor' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Examples
6माफ़ कीजिए, यहाँ नेटवर्क कमज़ोर है।
I am sorry, the network is weak here.
Adding 'Maaf kijiye' makes it very professional.
भाई, नेटवर्क कमज़ोर है, बाद में फोन करता हूँ।
Bro, the network is weak, I'll call you later.
A very common way to end a choppy call.
हेलो? हेलो? नेटवर्क बहुत कमज़ोर है!
Hello? Hello? The network is very weak!
The classic 'fake signal loss' move.
वाईफाई का नेटवर्क कमज़ोर है।
The Wi-Fi network is weak.
Specifying 'WiFi' helps pinpoint the issue.
बेसमेंट में नेटवर्क कमज़ोर है।
The network is weak in the basement.
Explaining the physical reason for the bad signal.
सर, मेरा नेटवर्क कमज़ोर है, पेपर अपलोड नहीं हो रहा।
Sir, my network is weak, the paper isn't uploading.
Expressing genuine stress over technical issues.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'weak'.
यहाँ नेटवर्क _______ है।
'Kamzor' is the standard adjective for a weak signal in Hindi.
Which sentence correctly explains why you can't hear someone on a call?
Choose the best option:
This is the standard excuse for audio issues.
Complete the dialogue.
A: हेलो? आवाज़ आ रही है? B: नहीं, ___________।
The response needs to address the lack of audio.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are in a basement and your internet stops working.
Basements are notorious for 'kamzor network'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where is the Network Weak?
Locations
- • लिफ़्ट (Lift)
- • बेसमेंट (Basement)
- • पहाड़ (Mountains)
- • गाँव (Village)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesयहाँ नेटवर्क _______ है।
'Kamzor' is the standard adjective for a weak signal in Hindi.
Choose the best option:
This is the standard excuse for audio issues.
A: हेलो? आवाज़ आ रही है? B: नहीं, ___________।
The response needs to address the lack of audio.
You are in a basement and your internet stops working.
Basements are notorious for 'kamzor network'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very common to use it for Wi-Fi signal as well as mobile signal.
It is an English loanword that is now part of standard spoken Hindi.
You can say 'Sanchar mein badha hai' (There is an obstacle in communication), but it sounds very robotic. 'Network kamzor hai' is fine for formal use.
You say 'Network aa gaya' (Network has come).
Yes, 'Vah kamzor hai' means 'He/She is weak (physically)'.
'Range' is another loanword used specifically for mobile coverage areas.
Yes, 'slow' is used for internet speed, while 'kamzor' is for signal strength.
Not at all. It is a factual statement about technology.
No, 'Kamzor' is an invariant adjective in Hindi.
Say 'Network nahi hai' (There is no network).
Related Phrases
आवाज़ कट रही है
similarThe voice is cutting out.
फोन नहीं लग रहा
relatedThe call isn't connecting.
सिग्नल फुल है
contrastThe signal is full/perfect.
डाटा खत्म हो गया
similarData has run out.
