उठाना चीज
uthana cheez
to pick up thing
Literally: uṭhānā (to lift/pick up) chīz (thing)
In 15 Seconds
- Used for physically lifting an object from a surface.
- Place the object name before the verb `uṭhānā`.
- Do not use this for picking up people or skills.
Meaning
This phrase is the most basic way to say you are lifting or picking up an object from the floor or a table. It is your go-to expression for grabbing your keys, a book, or even a fallen snack.
Key Examples
3 of 6Dropping a pen in class
Kripya merā pen uṭhā dījiye.
Please pick up my pen.
Cleaning the living room
Ye sārī chīzein yahān se uṭhāo.
Pick up all these things from here.
In a formal meeting
Aap apne dastāvez uṭhā sakte hain.
You can pick up your documents.
Cultural Background
In many Indian households, there is a deep respect for physical objects, especially books and musical instruments. If an object falls, picking it up (`uṭhānā`) is often followed by a small gesture of reverence. This reflects the belief that knowledge and tools are sacred.
The 'Phone' Exception
In Hindi, you don't 'answer' a phone, you 'pick' it up. Use `phone uṭhānā` even if the phone is already in your hand!
Don't lift people!
If you say `Rohan ko uṭhāo`, people might think you are literally bench-pressing Rohan. Use `Rohan ko pick-up karo` for rides.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for physically lifting an object from a surface.
- Place the object name before the verb `uṭhānā`.
- Do not use this for picking up people or skills.
What It Means
At its heart, uṭhānā chīz is about the physical act of lifting. You use it when something is sitting on a surface. It is the literal movement of your hand grabbing an object. It is simple, direct, and very common in daily life. Think of it as the 'Ctrl+C' of physical actions in Hindi.
How To Use It
In Hindi, the object usually comes before the verb. So, you would say the name of the thing first. For example, Kitāb uṭhāo means 'Pick up the book.' You can change the ending of uṭhānā based on who you are talking to. Use uṭhāiye for elders and uṭhāo for friends. It is a very flexible verb that fits into almost any sentence structure.
When To Use It
Use this when you drop your phone on the sidewalk. Use it when you are cleaning your room and moving boxes. It is perfect for asking a waiter to take away a plate. If you are at the gym, you use it for lifting weights too! It is a 'workhorse' phrase for any physical interaction with objects.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for 'picking up' a person from the airport. For people, we usually use the verb lenā or pichup karnā. Also, don't use it for 'picking up' a new language or a hobby. That requires different verbs like sīkhnā. Using uṭhānā for a person might sound like you are literally trying to lift them off the ground!
Cultural Background
In Indian culture, objects like books or tools are often treated with high respect. If you drop a book, you might see someone 'pick it up' and touch it to their forehead. This is a sign of seeking forgiveness for dropping a source of knowledge. Picking things up quickly is also seen as a sign of being helpful and attentive in a household.
Common Variations
You will often hear sāmān uṭhānā which means 'pick up the luggage' or 'pick up the stuff.' Another common one is phone uṭhānā, which means 'answering the phone.' If someone says kadām uṭhānā, they are talking about 'taking a step' or taking action. It is a very versatile root word that grows into many different meanings.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all settings. Just remember to conjugate the verb `uṭhānā` to match the level of respect you want to show.
The 'Phone' Exception
In Hindi, you don't 'answer' a phone, you 'pick' it up. Use `phone uṭhānā` even if the phone is already in your hand!
Don't lift people!
If you say `Rohan ko uṭhāo`, people might think you are literally bench-pressing Rohan. Use `Rohan ko pick-up karo` for rides.
The Sacred Book
If you pick up a book that fell, it's polite to touch it to your forehead. It shows you value education.
Examples
6Kripya merā pen uṭhā dījiye.
Please pick up my pen.
Using 'dījiye' makes the request polite and formal.
Ye sārī chīzein yahān se uṭhāo.
Pick up all these things from here.
A direct command used when tidying up.
Aap apne dastāvez uṭhā sakte hain.
You can pick up your documents.
Professional and respectful tone.
Mera phone kyun nahi uṭhā rahe ho?
Why aren't you picking up my phone (call)?
Common slang for answering a call.
Is bhāri dibbe ko hāth mat uṭhānā!
Don't even try to lift this heavy box!
Used jokingly to warn someone about the weight.
Chalo, milkar ye kachrā uṭhāte hain.
Come, let's pick up this mess together.
Implies teamwork and moving forward.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the verb to ask a friend to pick up a book.
Kitāb ___.
`uṭhāo` is the informal imperative form suitable for friends.
Complete the sentence: 'I am picking up the thing.'
Main chīz ___ hūn.
`uṭhā rahā` is the present continuous form for 'picking up'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'uṭhānā'
Talking to friends or younger siblings.
Ye uṭhā!
Standard daily interaction.
Chīz uṭhāo.
Talking to elders or in a shop.
Kripya uṭhāiye.
Where to use 'uṭhānā chīz'
At the Gym
Lifting weights
At Home
Picking up toys
On the Street
Picking up dropped keys
On the Phone
Answering a call
Practice Bank
2 exercisesKitāb ___.
`uṭhāo` is the informal imperative form suitable for friends.
Main chīz ___ hūn.
`uṭhā rahā` is the present continuous form for 'picking up'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsMostly yes, but it also means 'to wake someone up' (e.g., Mujhe subah uṭhānā). Context is key!
Yes, you can say sāmān uṭhānā for picking up bags or groceries.
You would say Mat uṭhāo or more formally Mat uṭhāiye.
No, you can also use vastu in formal settings, but chīz is much more common in daily speech.
You wouldn't use uṭhānā there. You would say tezi se chalo (walk fast).
It's not rude with friends, but with a boss or a stranger, always use uṭhāiye.
No, for flowers we use the verb toṛnā (to break/pluck).
The past tense is uṭhāyā. For example: Maine chīz uṭhāyi (I picked up the thing).
Sometimes! Uṭhā lenā can colloquially mean someone 'swiped' or stole something.
Yes, signal uṭhānā is sometimes used when a device catches a radio or Wi-Fi signal.
Related Phrases
sāmān uṭhānā
to carry/pick up luggage
phone uṭhānā
to answer the phone
fāydā uṭhānā
to take advantage of (metaphorical)
kadām uṭhānā
to take a step/action
