Meaning
To exert maximum effort and dedication towards achieving a goal.
Cultural Background
In Indian offices, 'I will try my best' is often used as a polite way to say 'I can't guarantee it, but I won't say no.' It's a way to maintain harmony while managing expectations. The phrase is a staple in dramatic climaxes, especially in sports movies like 'Lagaan' or 'Chak De! India', where the protagonist rallies the team. Indian parents often emphasize 'koshish' over 'results'. There is a famous saying that 'Koshish karne walon ki kabhi haar nahi hoti' (Those who try never lose). Rooted in the concept of 'Nishkama Karma' (action without attachment to results), the phrase emphasizes that the effort itself is the success.
The 'Ki' Connector
Always use 'ki' (feminine) before 'puri koshish'. Example: 'Sikhne KI puri koshish'.
Gender Trap
Never say 'Pura koshish'. It's an instant giveaway that you're a beginner.
Meaning
To exert maximum effort and dedication towards achieving a goal.
The 'Ki' Connector
Always use 'ki' (feminine) before 'puri koshish'. Example: 'Sikhne KI puri koshish'.
Gender Trap
Never say 'Pura koshish'. It's an instant giveaway that you're a beginner.
Humility Marker
Use this phrase when someone thanks you for a favor to sound humble: 'Bas, maine toh puri koshish ki.'
Pair with 'Apni Taraf Se'
Adding 'Apni taraf se' (from my side) makes you sound very native: 'Main apni taraf se puri koshish karunga.'
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Puri' or 'Pura'.
मैंने परीक्षा के लिए ______ कोशिश की।
'Koshish' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine adjective 'Puri'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for 'I will try my best'?
Select the correct translation:
The verb 'karunga/karungi' agrees with the speaker, but 'Puri' always stays feminine to match 'koshish'.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
Boss: क्या कल तक रिपोर्ट तैयार हो जाएगी? Employee: जी सर, मैं ______।
The future tense 'karunga' is needed to make a promise for tomorrow.
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
Match: 1. Bharsak Prayas, 2. Ji-jaan laga dena, 3. Puri koshish karna
Bharsak Prayas is formal; Ji-jaan is high-energy/emotional; Puri koshish is neutral.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Levels of Trying
Practice Bank
4 exercisesमैंने परीक्षा के लिए ______ कोशिश की।
'Koshish' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine adjective 'Puri'.
Select the correct translation:
The verb 'karunga/karungi' agrees with the speaker, but 'Puri' always stays feminine to match 'koshish'.
Boss: क्या कल तक रिपोर्ट तैयार हो जाएगी? Employee: जी सर, मैं ______।
The future tense 'karunga' is needed to make a promise for tomorrow.
Match: 1. Bharsak Prayas, 2. Ji-jaan laga dena, 3. Puri koshish karna
Bharsak Prayas is formal; Ji-jaan is high-energy/emotional; Puri koshish is neutral.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly acceptable in business emails to show commitment.
'Prayas' is Sanskrit-based and more formal; 'Koshish' is Persian-based and more common in speech.
Yes, if you want to emphasize that you really tried to make it taste good!
Because 'koshish' is a feminine noun in Hindi grammar.
Younger people might say 'Full try marna' in Hinglish.
Say 'Maine puri koshish ki'.
Yes: 'Usne puri koshish nahi ki' (He didn't try his best).
It is common, but it sounds sincere if said with the right tone.
Saying 'Pura koshish' instead of 'Puri koshish'.
Yes, 'Jaan laga dena' sounds more passionate and energetic for sports.
Related Phrases
जी-जान लगा देना
similarTo put one's heart and soul into something.
एड़ी-चोटी का ज़ोर लगाना
idiomTo pull out all the stops.
भरसक प्रयास करना
synonymTo make every possible effort.
हाथ-पांव मारना
similarTo struggle or scramble.
कसर न छोड़ना
contrastTo leave no stone unturned.
