सिफारिश करना
sifarish karna
to recommend
Literally: Recommendation (Sifarish) + To do (Karna)
In 15 Seconds
- To recommend or put in a good word for someone.
- Commonly used in job hunting, networking, and social favors.
- Implies using your personal influence to help another person.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you want to put in a good word for someone or suggest something highly. It's like giving your personal stamp of approval to help someone get a job, a table at a restaurant, or even a date.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking a boss for a favor
क्या आप मैनेजर से मेरी सिफारिश कर सकते हैं?
Can you recommend me to the manager?
Recommending a local restaurant
मैं इस रेस्टोरेंट की सिफारिश सबको करता हूँ।
I recommend this restaurant to everyone.
Texting a friend about a job
भाई, मेरी सिफारिश लगा दे यार!
Brother, please put in a word for me!
Cultural Background
Referral programs in Indian tech companies are essentially formalized 'sifarish'. Employees get bonuses for recommending successful candidates. The debate over 'Nepotism' in Bollywood is often discussed using the term 'sifarish'. Star kids are said to get roles through 'sifarish' rather than 'merit' (yogyata). In smaller towns, 'sifarish' from a local leader (Pradhan) or influential person is often seen as the only way to get government work done quickly. Letters of Recommendation (LORs) for students going abroad are strictly called 'Sifarishi Chitti' or 'Anushansa Patra'.
The 'Ki' Rule
Always remember 'Sifarish' is feminine. Even if you are a man recommending another man, it is 'ki sifarish'.
Ethical Nuance
In professional interviews, don't say 'I have a sifarish'. Instead, say 'I was referred by [Name]' (मुझे [Name] ने रेफर किया है).
In 15 Seconds
- To recommend or put in a good word for someone.
- Commonly used in job hunting, networking, and social favors.
- Implies using your personal influence to help another person.
What It Means
Sifarish karna is the art of recommending. It is more than just a casual suggestion. It implies using your influence to help someone else. Think of it as being a bridge between two people. You are saying, "I trust this person, you should too."
How To Use It
You use it like a standard verb. Pair it with the person receiving the favor. For example, Meri sifarish kar dijiye means "Please recommend me." It works for jobs, admissions, or even food. It is a very active, helpful expression.
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings for job referrals. Use it at a famous bakery to suggest their cake. It is perfect when you want to be a wingman. If your friend is applying for a visa, you might sifarish for them. It feels warm and supportive in most cases.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it if you are just stating a fact. If you like a movie, you suggest it (sujhaav dena). Sifarish implies a bit of social weight. Don't use it if you don't actually know the person. It can sound like "nepotism" if used too aggressively in offices. Keep it honest and helpful.
Cultural Background
In India, social networks are everything. Sifarish is the currency of these networks. Historically, it was how things got done in big bureaucracies. Today, it is more about networking and community support. It shows that you are well-connected and willing to help. It is the "I know a guy" culture of India.
Common Variations
You might hear Sifarish lagana in more informal settings. This sounds like you are "applying" a recommendation. Another one is Sifarishi chitthi, which is a physical recommendation letter. If someone gets a job only through influence, people might whisper they are a Sifarishi candidate. Use that one carefully!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but leans towards formal or semi-formal in its standard form. In casual street Hindi, people often swap 'Karna' with 'Lagana' to sound more colloquial.
The 'Ki' Rule
Always remember 'Sifarish' is feminine. Even if you are a man recommending another man, it is 'ki sifarish'.
Ethical Nuance
In professional interviews, don't say 'I have a sifarish'. Instead, say 'I was referred by [Name]' (मुझे [Name] ने रेफर किया है).
The Power of 'Pehchan'
Sifarish is built on 'Pehchan' (knowing people). In India, who you know is often as important as what you know.
Examples
6क्या आप मैनेजर से मेरी सिफारिश कर सकते हैं?
Can you recommend me to the manager?
A standard way to ask for a professional referral.
मैं इस रेस्टोरेंट की सिफारिश सबको करता हूँ।
I recommend this restaurant to everyone.
Shows high praise for a place or service.
भाई, मेरी सिफारिश लगा दे यार!
Brother, please put in a word for me!
Uses 'lagana' for a very casual, pleading tone.
तुम्हारी सिफारिश करना मेरी सबसे बड़ी गलती थी!
Recommending you was my biggest mistake!
Teasing a friend after they did something silly.
मैंने तुम्हारे लिए प्रिंसिपल साहब से सिफारिश की है।
I have recommended you to the Principal.
Reflects a supportive, parental role.
हमारी समिति इस बदलाव की सिफारिश करती है।
Our committee recommends this change.
Used for formal proposals or official suggestions.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct postposition and verb form.
मैंने मैनेजर से तुम्हारी ______ ______। (I recommended you to the manager.)
'Sifarish' is feminine, so it takes 'ki' and 'ki' (past tense of karna).
Which sentence is most appropriate for a job referral?
How would you ask a senior for a recommendation?
This is the most polite and grammatically correct formal request.
Complete the dialogue.
A: मुझे यह नौकरी चाहिए। B: ठीक है, मैं बॉस से ______ ______।
In the context of getting a job from a boss, 'sifarish' is the most natural term.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match: 1. Sifarish Karna, 2. Sujhav Dena
Sifarish involves influence/people; Sujhav is for ideas/choices.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesमैंने मैनेजर से तुम्हारी ______ ______। (I recommended you to the manager.)
'Sifarish' is feminine, so it takes 'ki' and 'ki' (past tense of karna).
How would you ask a senior for a recommendation?
This is the most polite and grammatically correct formal request.
A: मुझे यह नौकरी चाहिए। B: ठीक है, मैं बॉस से ______ ______।
In the context of getting a job from a boss, 'sifarish' is the most natural term.
Match: 1. Sifarish Karna, 2. Sujhav Dena
Sifarish involves influence/people; Sujhav is for ideas/choices.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot inherently. It means recommendation. However, in the context of corruption, it can mean 'nepotism'.
You can, but 'Sujhav' or 'Batana' is more natural. 'Sifarish' sounds like you're a critic giving a formal endorsement.
There isn't a direct opposite verb, but 'Shikayat karna' (to complain) or 'Virodh karna' (to oppose) are used in similar contexts.
It is called 'Sifarishi Chitti' (informal) or 'Anushansa Patra' (formal).
It is always 'Karna' (to do). 'Dena' (to give) is rarely used and sounds non-native.
Yes, if you are a chef recommending a dish, but 'Sujhav' is better for customers.
Yes, but it is 90% used for people/services and 10% for things.
Yes, 'Sifarish' is perfectly fine for office speech. 'Anushansa' is for writing.
People will understand you, but it's a clear sign of a beginner learner.
Yes, 'Setting karana' or 'Sifarish lagana'.
Related Phrases
सुझाव देना
similarTo give a suggestion
अनुशंसा करना
synonymTo recommend (High Formal)
पैरवी करना
similarTo advocate or lobby
वकालत करना
similarTo plead/advocate for
सेटिंग करना
specialized formTo fix/arrange (Slang)
