Meaning
A polite request for someone to look at something.
Cultural Background
In cities like Delhi and Lucknow, 'देखिए' is often followed by 'जी' (Ji) to add an extra layer of politeness, resulting in 'देखिए जी'. In modern Indian offices, 'देखिए' is the standard way to transition during a presentation, replacing the English 'As you can see'. In classic cinema, the hero often uses 'देखिए' when pleading with the heroine's father, signaling his humble and respectful nature. News anchors use 'देखिए' as a rhetorical device to create a sense of urgency and direct the viewer's focus to 'exclusive' footage.
The 'Soft Start'
Use 'देखिए' when you are about to say 'No'. It makes the refusal sound much more professional and less personal.
Don't Point!
In India, pointing with one finger while saying 'देखिए' can be rude. Use your whole hand or a slight nod of the head toward the object.
Meaning
A polite request for someone to look at something.
The 'Soft Start'
Use 'देखिए' when you are about to say 'No'. It makes the refusal sound much more professional and less personal.
Don't Point!
In India, pointing with one finger while saying 'देखिए' can be rude. Use your whole hand or a slight nod of the head toward the object.
The 'Ji' Factor
Adding 'जी' (Ji) after 'देखिए' makes you sound like a native speaker who understands high-level etiquette.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the verb to use with 'Aap'.
आप कृपया यहाँ _______।
The '-iye' ending is the only one that matches the formal 'Aap' register.
Fill in the blank to make the sentence polite.
_______, मुझे आपकी मदद चाहिए। (Look, I need your help.)
When asking for help from someone you don't know well, 'देखिए' is the appropriate polite starter.
Complete the dialogue between a boss and an employee.
Boss: क्या आपने रिपोर्ट तैयार की? Employee: जी सर, यह _______।
An employee must use the formal 'देखिए' when addressing a boss.
Match the phrase to the person you are speaking to.
1. देखिए 2. देखो 3. देख
देखिए is for superiors (Boss), देखो is for younger people (Brother), and देख is for intimates (Best friend).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Hierarchy of 'Looking'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesआप कृपया यहाँ _______।
The '-iye' ending is the only one that matches the formal 'Aap' register.
_______, मुझे आपकी मदद चाहिए। (Look, I need your help.)
When asking for help from someone you don't know well, 'देखिए' is the appropriate polite starter.
Boss: क्या आपने रिपोर्ट तैयार की? Employee: जी सर, यह _______।
An employee must use the formal 'देखिए' when addressing a boss.
1. देखिए 2. देखो 3. देख
देखिए is for superiors (Boss), देखो is for younger people (Brother), and देख is for intimates (Best friend).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is the perfect word to use with a teacher to show them your work or ask them to look at something.
They are at the same level of formality; one is for looking, the other for listening. Both are polite.
They will likely understand you are a learner, but it might sound slightly disrespectful. Correct yourself by saying 'मेरा मतलब है, देखिए...'
No, it often means 'Look here' or 'Listen' in the sense of 'Pay attention to my point'.
You say 'कृपया मत देखिए' (Kripya mat dekhiye).
देखिए is used for both singular and plural 'Aap'.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails, e.g., 'कृपया संलग्न फाइल देखिए' (Please see the attached file).
It's a rhetorical tool to keep the audience engaged and focused on the screen.
While the local languages are different, anyone speaking Hindi in South India will use 'देखिए' for politeness.
'देखिए' is an immediate request, while 'देखियेगा' is a more gentle, future-oriented suggestion.
Related Phrases
देख लीजिए
similarHave a look / Check it out
दिखाइए
builds onPlease show
नज़र डालिए
specialized formCast a glance
गौर कीजिए
specialized formPlease notice/pay attention
सुनिए
similarListen / Excuse me
