In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to say 'Please start' in any setting.
- Perfect for meetings, meals, and starting performances.
- Shows respect by letting others take the lead first.
Meaning
This is a polite way to tell someone to go ahead and start an activity. It is like saying 'Please begin' or 'After you' when you want someone to take the lead.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a dinner party with guests
Khana thanda ho raha hai, shuru kijiye.
The food is getting cold, please start.
Starting a business presentation
Hum taiyar hain, shuru kijiye.
We are ready, please begin.
Asking a friend to tell a story
Main sun raha hoon, shuru kijiye.
I am listening, please start.
Cultural Background
The 'Pehle Aap' (After you) culture is strongest here. People might go back and forth saying 'Shuru kijiye' to each other for a minute before anyone actually starts. In meetings, the most senior person usually says 'Shuru kijiye' to signal the start. It's a power dynamic marker. When the buffet opens, the elders are always told 'Shuru kijiye' first. It's a sign of deep respect. You might hear 'Aarambh kijiye' instead of 'Shuru kijiye' to add a sense of sanctity or high importance.
The Palm Gesture
When saying 'Shuru kijiye', always use a slight open-palm gesture toward the person or object. It completes the polite cultural package.
Don't over-formalize
If you are with people younger than you in a casual setting, 'Shuru kijiye' might make them feel uncomfortable or like they are in trouble. Stick to 'karo' there.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to say 'Please start' in any setting.
- Perfect for meetings, meals, and starting performances.
- Shows respect by letting others take the lead first.
What It Means
Shuru kijiye is a gentle, respectful command to begin something. It combines the word shuru (start) with the polite verb form kijiye (please do). It sounds smooth and welcoming. It is the verbal equivalent of a polite hand gesture toward a door. You are giving someone the green light to proceed.
How To Use It
Use it when you are ready for an action to happen. You can use it as a standalone sentence. It works great when a meeting is about to start. Or when you are waiting for a friend to tell a story. Just say it with a smile and a small nod. It shows you are attentive and ready to listen or participate.
When To Use It
Use it at the dinner table when guests are waiting for you. Use it in a professional meeting to invite a speaker. It is perfect for a teacher telling a student to begin an exam. Use it when someone asks, "Can I play my music?" It makes you sound sophisticated and well-mannered. It is the ultimate 'go' signal in social settings.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with very close friends or younger siblings. It might sound too stiff or overly formal for them. For them, use shuru karo instead. Avoid using it in high-stress, urgent emergencies. You do not say shuru kijiye if you need someone to run from a fire. It is too slow and polite for that. Also, do not use it if you are the one supposed to be leading.
Cultural Background
Indian culture places a huge emphasis on 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (The guest is God). Letting others start first is a sign of deep respect. Even if you are starving, you wait for the eldest to shuru kijiye. It reflects the hierarchical yet communal nature of Indian society. It is about harmony and giving space to others before yourself.
Common Variations
If you want to be even more formal, say aap shuru kijiye. Adding aap (you) makes it very clear and respectful. For a casual vibe, use shuru karein. This is like saying "Let's start" among peers. If you are feeling extra fancy, you might hear shuruat kijiye. This focuses on the 'commencement' of a grand event. But for 90% of your life, shuru kijiye is your golden ticket.
Usage Notes
This phrase is the gold standard for polite social interaction. It uses the 'Aap' register of Hindi, making it safe for business, formal dinners, and speaking with strangers.
The Palm Gesture
When saying 'Shuru kijiye', always use a slight open-palm gesture toward the person or object. It completes the polite cultural package.
Don't over-formalize
If you are with people younger than you in a casual setting, 'Shuru kijiye' might make them feel uncomfortable or like they are in trouble. Stick to 'karo' there.
The 'Pehle Aap' Loop
If someone says 'Shuru kijiye' to you, it's polite to say it back once before actually starting. It's a dance of manners!
Examples
6Khana thanda ho raha hai, shuru kijiye.
The food is getting cold, please start.
A classic way to encourage guests to eat.
Hum taiyar hain, shuru kijiye.
We are ready, please begin.
Professional and clear way to hand over the floor.
Main sun raha hoon, shuru kijiye.
I am listening, please start.
Shows you are giving them your full attention.
Apna gana shuru kijiye.
Please start your song.
Encouraging and instructional.
Bhai, ab shuru kijiye!
Brother, start now!
The polite words contrast with the impatient tone.
Karyakram shuru kijiye.
Please start the program.
Used by an official to signal the start of an event.
Test Yourself
You are at a formal dinner with your boss. What do you say to invite them to eat?
सर, खाना _______।
'Shuru kijiye' is the only form respectful enough for a boss.
Complete the sentence with the polite form of 'to do'.
आप अपनी बात शुरू _______।
The 'Aap' form requires 'kijiye' for politeness.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
1. Shuru kijiye 2. Shuru karo
Formal for guests, informal for siblings.
Complete the dialogue.
A: क्या मैं प्रेजेंटेशन शुरू करूँ? B: जी हाँ, _______।
The most natural and polite response to a formal request.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Shuru kijiye'
At Home
- • Guests arriving
- • Dinner is served
- • Opening gifts
At Work
- • Starting a meeting
- • Inviting a speaker
- • Giving a task
Practice Bank
4 exercisesसर, खाना _______।
'Shuru kijiye' is the only form respectful enough for a boss.
आप अपनी बात शुरू _______।
The 'Aap' form requires 'kijiye' for politeness.
1. Shuru kijiye 2. Shuru karo
Formal for guests, informal for siblings.
A: क्या मैं प्रेजेंटेशन शुरू करूँ? B: जी हाँ, _______।
The most natural and polite response to a formal request.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it can be used for anything—starting a speech, a game, a movie, or a task.
'Kijiye' is more formal and standard. 'Kariye' is common in spoken Hindi but slightly less formal.
Yes, it is very appropriate and respectful to use with a teacher.
Use 'Shuru karte hain' (शुरू करते हैं).
It is originally Persian/Arabic but is now a core part of the Hindi language.
Use 'Aarambh kijiye' (आरंभ कीजिए).
Yes, if you have a respectful relationship where you use 'Aap' with them.
In very casual settings, people just say 'Shuru!' but it's not polite.
No, 'Shuru kijiye' remains the same regardless of whether you are talking to a man or a woman.
Yes, for example: 'Kripya apna kaam shuru kijiye' (Please begin your work).
Related Phrases
आगे बढ़िए
similarGo ahead / Move forward
आरंभ कीजिए
synonymPlease commence
शुरू करते हैं
builds onLet's start
खत्म कीजिए
contrastPlease finish
