थोड़ी देर में आऊँगा

Using this phrase is quite easy. If you are male, say aaunga. If you are female, say aaungi. You can drop the main (I) at the start. Most people do this in casual speech. It sounds more natural that way. Just say the phrase as you stand up to leave. It lets people know you aren't gone for good.

Use it when grabbing a coffee during a break. It works great when a friend calls while you're busy. Tell them you'll come over soon. It is perfect for office settings when stepping out for lunch. Use it at home when moving from one room to another. It keeps the conversation flow alive even when you're physically moving. It’s the perfect 'pause button' for social interactions.

Don't use this if you'll be gone for hours. That would be misleading and slightly rude. Avoid it in super-formal letters to a CEO. In those cases, give a specific time instead. Also, don't use it if you aren't actually coming back. Indians value 'face time,' so 'ghosting' after saying this is a big no-no. If you're going to be late, send a text update!

In India, time can be a bit 'flexible.' This phrase is part of that cultural charm. 'A little while' could mean five minutes or thirty. It is a polite way to soften a departure. It shows you value the person's company. You aren't 'leaving'; you are just 'stepping away.' It reflects the communal nature of Indian society where being present matters.

If you want to sound more casual, try bas abhi aaya. This means "just came," implying you're already on your way back. For a more polite version, use thodi der mein aata hoon. This sounds less like a future promise and more like a current action. You can also add bas at the beginning. Bas thodi der mein aaunga adds a bit of 'just' for emphasis. It makes the wait feel even shorter!