This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Hindi
Vocabulary
कृपा करके

A2 adverb #1,500 most common 8 min read

कृपा करके

Please (requesting politeness).

kripa karke Top 1,500

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 'Kripa karke' as a basic 'magic word' for politeness. It is taught alongside simple imperative verbs to help students navigate basic needs like asking for water, a seat, or help. The focus is on the literal translation 'Please' and its placement at the beginning of short sentences. Learners are encouraged to use it to sound respectful from day one, even if their grammar isn't perfect. It is the polite counterpart to direct commands, helping beginners avoid sounding rude in a new culture.

At the A2 level, students learn that 'Kripa karke' must be paired with the polite '-iye' verb ending. This level focuses on social interactions like shopping, ordering food, and asking for directions. Learners begin to understand the difference between 'Tu/Tum' and 'Aap' and why 'Kripa karke' belongs with 'Aap'. They also learn to use it in negative requests (e.g., 'Please don't go'). The emphasis is on consistency in politeness across the entire sentence, ensuring that the tone remains respectful throughout.

At the B1 level, 'Kripa karke' is used in more complex social and professional contexts. Learners use it to make polite refusals, request clarifications, and manage workplace interactions. They begin to distinguish it from 'Kripaya' and 'Meherbaani karke,' choosing the appropriate word based on the situation. B1 students also learn to use 'Kripa karke' with compound verbs (e.g., 'kar dijiye') to sound more natural. The focus shifts from basic survival to effective, culturally appropriate communication in a variety of settings.

At the B2 level, learners explore the nuances of 'Kripa karke' in formal writing and public speaking. They use it in formal letters, emails, and reports to maintain a professional tone. B2 students understand the rhythmic and stylistic impact of placing 'Kripa karke' in different parts of a sentence for emphasis. They also learn to recognize it in news broadcasts and official announcements, understanding the subtle differences in tone it conveys compared to other synonyms. The focus is on stylistic precision and mastery of formal register.

At the C1 level, students analyze 'Kripa karke' within the context of Hindi literature and high-level diplomatic or academic discourse. They understand its etymological roots in Sanskrit and how its usage has evolved. C1 learners can use the phrase to convey subtle shades of meaning, such as irony, extreme humility, or firm but polite authority. They are also able to compare its usage across different Hindi dialects and regional variations. The focus is on deep linguistic understanding and the ability to use the phrase with complete native-like nuance.

At the C2 level, 'Kripa karke' is understood as part of the broader tapestry of Indian socio-linguistic history. Learners can discuss its role in the development of Modern Standard Hindi and its relationship with classical Sanskrit 'Kṛpā'. They can use the phrase in highly specialized contexts, such as legal drafting, classical poetry, or philosophical debate, where the choice of a single word can change the entire tenor of a text. C2 mastery involves not just using the word correctly, but understanding its profound cultural and historical weight.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

कृपा करके in 30 Seconds

A formal Hindi phrase for 'Please'.
Used with the honorific 'Aap' verb forms.
Derived from Sanskrit roots meaning 'doing grace'.
Essential for polite social and professional interaction.

The Hindi phrase कृपा करके (Kripā karke) is a sophisticated adverbial expression used to convey a high degree of politeness when making a request. Rooted in the Sanskrit word 'Kṛpā', which translates to grace, mercy, or compassion, the phrase literally means 'having done grace' or 'by doing a favor.' In modern Hindi, it serves as a formal equivalent to the English word 'Please.' Unlike the more common 'Kripaya' (कृपया), which is often seen on signs or in very formal writing, 'Kripa karke' is frequently used in spoken Hindi to soften a command or to show respect to the listener. It transforms a direct imperative into a gentle appeal, acknowledging the social hierarchy or the effort required by the person being asked.

Etymological Root: Derived from the Sanskrit 'Kṛpā' (compassion) + 'Karke' (the conjunctive participle of 'karnā', to do).
Grammatical Function: Acts as an adverbial phrase modifying the main verb of a request or command.
Register: Formal to Semi-formal; used in professional settings, with elders, or when addressing strangers.

Understanding 'Kripa karke' requires an appreciation of the 'Aap' (honorific) culture in India. When you use this phrase, you are essentially placing yourself in a position of humility. It is not just a filler word; it is a marker of social etiquette. In a linguistic sense, it functions similarly to the Persian-influenced 'Meherbaani karke,' which is also common in Urdu-heavy Hindi dialects. However, 'Kripa karke' retains a distinctively Sanskritized flavor that is prevalent in academic, official, and standard Hindi contexts.

उदाहरण: कृपा करके मुझे अपना नाम बताइये। (Please tell me your name.)

उदाहरण: कृपा करके शोर न मचाएं। (Please do not make noise.)

उदाहरण: कृपा करके यहाँ हस्ताक्षर करें। (Please sign here.)

उदाहरण: कृपा करके मेरी सहायता कीजिये। (Please help me.)

उदाहरण: कृपा करके द्वार बंद कर दें। (Please close the door.)

In summary, 'Kripa karke' is the cornerstone of polite Hindi interaction. It bridges the gap between a command and a request, ensuring that the speaker's intent is perceived as respectful and cultured. Whether you are asking for a glass of water or requesting a deadline extension, this phrase is your primary tool for linguistic grace.

Using कृपा करके effectively involves understanding its placement and the verb forms that must accompany it. Because it is a formal request marker, it is almost exclusively paired with the 'Aap' (honorific) form of verbs. For example, instead of saying 'Kripa karke baitho' (which mixes formal and informal), one should say 'Kripa karke baithiye.' This consistency in register is crucial for sounding like a native speaker.

Sentence Placement: Usually starts the sentence, but can follow the subject (e.g., 'Aap kripa karke...').
Verb Agreement: Always use the polite imperative ending in '-iye' or '-iye-ga'.
Negative Requests: Use 'na' or 'mat' before the verb (e.g., 'Kripa karke mat bhooliye').

When constructing a sentence, think of 'Kripa karke' as a signal to the listener that what follows is not a demand. In professional emails, it is often used to request documents or information. In social settings, it is used to ask for favors. It is also common in public announcements, though 'Kripaya' is more frequent there due to its brevity.

Pattern: [Kripa karke] + [Object] + [Verb-iye].
Example: कृपा करके खिड़की खोलिये। (Please open the window.)

Pattern: [Subject] + [Kripa karke] + [Verb-iye].
Example: आप कृपा करके कल आइये। (You please come tomorrow.)

Pattern: [Kripa karke] + [Negative] + [Verb-iye].
Example: कृपा करके यहाँ धूम्रपान न करें। (Please do not smoke here.)

Pattern: [Kripa karke] + [Compound Verb].
Example: कृपा करके यह काम कर दीजिये। (Please do this work.)

Pattern: [Kripa karke] + [Indirect Object].
Example: कृपा करके उन्हें सूचित करें। (Please inform them.)

Mastering the use of 'Kripa karke' involves not just knowing the words, but feeling the tone. It is a phrase that carries the weight of Indian hospitality and social respect. By using it, you signal that you are a person of 'tehzeeb' (culture/manners).

The phrase कृपा करके is ubiquitous in various spheres of Indian life, ranging from the highly formal to the everyday polite. If you are in a professional environment in North India, you will hear this phrase multiple times a day. It is the standard way for a subordinate to address a superior, or for colleagues to maintain a respectful distance while collaborating. In the world of Indian bureaucracy, 'Kripa karke' is the lubricant that makes the wheels of administration turn smoothly.

In the Office: Used in emails, meetings, and memos to request action without sounding bossy.
In Public Service: Heard in railway announcements, bank counters, and hospitals.
In Literature & Media: Common in formal Hindi news broadcasts, documentaries, and classic literature.

Beyond the office, you will hear it in social settings where respect is paramount. When visiting an elder's home, you might hear 'Kripa karke andar aaiye' (Please come inside). In religious or spiritual discourses (Pravachans), speakers use it to guide the audience's behavior. Even in Bollywood movies, when a character is pleading or showing extreme refinement, 'Kripa karke' is the go-to phrase. It conveys a sense of earnestness that the English 'please' sometimes lacks.

Scenario: At a Bank.
Staff: कृपा करके लाइन में लगें। (Please stand in line.)

Scenario: In an Email.
Sender: कृपा करके फाइल संलग्न देखें। (Please see the attached file.)

Scenario: At a Railway Station.
Announcer: कृपा करके ध्यान दीजिये। (Please pay attention.)

Scenario: A Formal Dinner.
Host: कृपा करके भोजन ग्रहण करें। (Please accept/eat the food.)

Scenario: A Courtroom.
Lawyer: कृपा करके सच बताइये। (Please tell the truth.)

Whether you are listening to the radio, reading a government notice, or attending a formal function, 'Kripa karke' is the standard bearer of polite Hindi discourse. Its presence indicates a space where manners and respect are valued.

While कृपा करके is a straightforward phrase, learners often make subtle errors in its application, mostly related to register and verb conjugation. The most common mistake is 'Register Mismatch.' Because 'Kripa karke' is formal, pairing it with an informal verb form like 'Tu' or 'Tum' sounds jarring and contradictory. It’s like saying 'Your Excellency, shut up.' Consistency is key.

Mistake 1: Informal Verbs: Saying 'Kripa karke kar' instead of 'Kripa karke kijiye'.
Mistake 2: Redundancy: Using 'Kripaya' and 'Kripa karke' in the same sentence (e.g., 'Kripaya kripa karke...').
Mistake 3: Overuse: Using it with close friends, which can come off as cold or sarcastic.

Another error is the confusion between 'Kripa' (noun) and 'Kripaya' (adverb). Some learners say 'Kripa baithiye,' which is grammatically incomplete. You need either the 'karke' to make it an adverbial phrase or the standalone 'Kripaya.' Additionally, placement errors occur; while Hindi is flexible, putting 'Kripa karke' at the very end of a long sentence can sometimes make the request feel like an afterthought rather than a polite opening.

Incorrect: कृपा करके तू जा। (Too informal for 'Kripa karke')
Correct: कृपा करके आप जाइये।

Incorrect: कृपया कृपा करके सुनिए। (Redundant)
Correct: कृपा करके सुनिए।

Incorrect: कृपा यहाँ आइये। (Incomplete)
Correct: कृपा करके यहाँ आइये।

Incorrect: कृपा करके तुम मत रो। (Mixed register)
Correct: कृपा करके आप मत रोइये।

Incorrect: मुझे पानी कृपा करके दो। (Awkward placement)
Correct: कृपा करके मुझे पानी दीजिये।

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will ensure that your Hindi sounds natural and respectful. Remember, the goal of 'Kripa karke' is to show that you value the other person's time and effort.

Hindi has several ways to say 'please,' each with its own nuance and level of formality. Comparing कृपा करके with its synonyms helps in choosing the right word for the right occasion. The most direct synonym is 'Kripaya' (कृपया), but there are also more colloquial or Persian-influenced alternatives.

Kripaya (कृपया): More formal and concise. Often used in written signs (e.g., 'Kripaya shanti banaye rakhen').
Meherbaani karke (मेहरबानी करके): Persian/Urdu origin. Very polite and poetic. Common in Bollywood and Urdu-influenced speech.
Zara (ज़रा): Literally 'a little'. Used colloquially to soften a request (e.g., 'Zara suniye' - Just listen a bit).

While 'Kripa karke' is standard and safe, 'Meherbaani karke' adds a touch of elegance and warmth. 'Zara' is much more casual and is used between friends or in quick, everyday interactions. 'Kripaya' is the most clinical and is best for formal documents or public notices. Understanding these differences allows you to navigate social situations with greater precision.

Comparison:
1. कृपा करके बैठिये (Formal/Standard)
2. कृपया बैठिये (Very Formal/Written)
3. मेहरबानी करके बैठिये (Poetic/Warm)
4. ज़रा बैठिये (Casual/Softened)

Comparison:
1. कृपा करके बताइये (Standard Request)
2. कृपया सूचित करें (Official/Formal)
3. ज़रा बताना (Informal/Friendly)

Comparison:
1. कृपा करके चुप रहिये (Polite Command)
2. कृपया शांत रहें (Public Notice)
3. ज़रा चुप रहो (Casual/Slightly annoyed)

Comparison:
1. कृपा करके मदद करें (Standard)
2. मेहरबानी करके सहायता कीजिये (Very humble)

Comparison:
1. कृपा करके समय दीजिये (Formal)
2. ज़रा वक़्त देना (Casual)

Choosing between these synonyms depends on your relationship with the listener and the setting. 'Kripa karke' is your most versatile and reliable option for showing respect in any standard Hindi environment.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Informal

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

कृपा करके यहाँ आइये।

Please come here.

Uses 'Kripa karke' + 'Aaiye' (polite come).

कृपा करके पानी दीजिये।

Please give water.

Uses 'Kripa karke' + 'Dijiye' (polite give).

कृपा करके बैठिये।

Please sit down.

Uses 'Kripa karke' + 'Baithiye' (polite sit).

कृपा करके सुनिए।

Please listen.

Uses 'Kripa karke' + 'Suniye' (polite listen).

कृपा करके देखिये।

Please look.

Uses 'Kripa karke' + 'Dekhiye' (polite look).

कृपा करके बोलिए।

Please speak.

Uses 'Kripa karke' + 'Boliye' (polite speak).

कृपा करके रुकिए।

Please stop/wait.

Uses 'Kripa karke' + 'Rukiye' (polite stop).

कृपा करके खाइए।

Please eat.

Uses 'Kripa karke' + 'Khaiye' (polite eat).

कृपा करके शोर न करें।

Please do not make noise.

Negative request using 'n'.

कृपा करके अपना नाम बताइये।

Please tell your name.

Formal inquiry.

कृपा करके धीरे बोलिए।

Please speak slowly.

Adverb 'dhire' (slowly) used with the request.

कृपा करके दरवाजा बंद कर दीजिये।

Please close the door.

Compound verb 'kar dijiye'.

कृपा करके यहाँ हस्ताक्षर कीजिये।

Please sign here.

Formal instruction.

कृपा करके मुझे रास्ता बताइये।

Please tell me the way.

Asking for information.

कृपा करके कल फिर आइयेगा।

Please come again tomorrow.

Future polite imperative '-iyega'.

कृपा करके चाय लीजिये।

Please have some tea.

Polite offering.

कृपा करके मुझे इस बारे में और जानकारी दें।

Please give me more information about this.

Requesting details in a professional context.

कृपा करके मेरी बात ध्यान से सुनिए।

Please listen to what I say carefully.

Using 'dhyaan se' (carefully) for emphasis.

कृपा करके यह फाइल मैनेजर को दे दीजिये।

Please give this file to the manager.

Indirect object 'manager ko'.

कृपा करके समय पर पहुँचने की कोशिश करें।

Please try to arrive on time.

Requesting an action ('koshish karen').

कृपा करके अपनी शिकायत यहाँ दर्ज करें।

Please register your complaint here.

Official instruction.

कृपा करके मुझे थोड़ा समय और दीजिये।

Please give me a little more time.

Requesting an extension.

कृपा करके खिड़की के पास वाली सीट दीजिये।

Please give me the window seat.

Specific request for a preference.

कृपा करके इस नियम का पालन करें।

Please follow this rule.

Formal request for compliance.

कृपा करके इस पत्र का उत्तर शीघ्र दें।

Please reply to this letter soon.

Formal correspondence style.

कृपा करके अतिथि का स्वागत सत्कार करें।

Please welcome and host the guest properly.

Cultural request for hospitality.

कृपा करके अपने मोबाइल फोन बंद रखें।

Please keep your mobile phones turned off.

Public announcement style.

कृपा करके इस विषय पर अपनी राय व्यक्त करें।

Please express your opinion on this subject.

Formal request for an opinion.

कृपा करके शांति और व्यवस्था बनाए रखें।

Please maintain peace and order.

Formal request for social conduct.

कृपा करके दस्तावेजों की जांच सावधानीपूर्वक करें।

Please check the documents carefully.

Professional instruction.

कृपा करके इस अवसर का लाभ उठाएं।

Please take advantage of this opportunity.

Encouraging tone.

कृपा करके अपनी यात्रा का विवरण साझा करें।

Please share the details of your journey.

Requesting information.

कृपा करके इस गंभीर समस्या पर विचार विमर्श करें।

Please deliberate upon this serious issue.

Academic/Political vocabulary.

कृपा करके मानवीय मूल्यों का हनन न होने दें।

Please do not allow the violation of human values.

Philosophical/Ethical request.

कृपा करके अपनी अंतरात्मा की आवाज़ सुनें।

Please listen to the voice of your conscience.

Spiritual/Internal request.

कृपा करके इस ऐतिहासिक धरोहर का संरक्षण करें।

Please preserve this historical heritage.

Formal request for conservation.

कृपा करके समाज के वंचित वर्गों की सहायता करें।

Please help the underprivileged sections of society.

Social justice context.

कृपा करके अपने क्रोध पर नियंत्रण रखें।

Please keep control over your anger.

Psychological/Behavioral advice.

कृपा करके इस प्रस्ताव की बारीकियों को समझें।

Please understand the nuances of this proposal.

Technical/Professional request.

कृपा करके अपनी भाषा में शालीनता बनाए रखें।

Please maintain decency in your language.

Request for linguistic etiquette.

कृपा करके राष्ट्र की अखंडता को अक्षुण्ण बनाए रखें।

Please keep the integrity of the nation intact.

Highly formal/Constitutional language.

कृपा करके इस दार्शनिक गुत्थी को सुलझाने में सहयोग दें।

Please cooperate in unraveling this philosophical puzzle.

Intellectual/Scholarly request.

कृपा करके अपनी विद्वत्ता का परिचय दें।

Please introduce/demonstrate your scholarship.

High academic register.

कृपा करके प्रकृति के साथ तादात्म्य स्थापित करें।

Please establish an identification/harmony with nature.

Abstract/Poetic request.

कृपा करके इस संधि की शर्तों का अक्षरशः पालन करें।

Please follow the terms of this treaty literally/to the letter.

Diplomatic/Legal precision.

कृपा करके अपनी कला के माध्यम से समाज को जागृत करें।

Please awaken society through your art.

Inspirational/Visionary request.

कृपा करके इस वैज्ञानिक शोध की प्रामाणिकता सिद्ध करें।

Please prove the authenticity of this scientific research.

Scientific/Analytical request.

कृपा करके काल के कपाल पर अपनी अमिट छाप छोड़ें।

Please leave your indelible mark on the forehead of time.

Highly metaphorical/Literary style.

Common Collocations

कृपा करके बताइये (Please tell)

कृपा करके दीजिये (Please give)

कृपा करके सुनिए (Please listen)

कृपा करके बैठिये (Please sit)

कृपा करके आइये (Please come)

कृपा करके जाइये (Please go)

कृपा करके देखिये (Please look)

कृपा करके लिखिये (Please write)

कृपा करके शांत रहिये (Please stay quiet)

कृपा करके ध्यान दीजिये (Please pay attention)

Common Phrases

कृपा करके मेरी मदद करें (Please help me)

कृपा करके यहाँ हस्ताक्षर करें (Please sign here)

कृपा करके थोड़ा इंतज़ार करें (Please wait a bit)

कृपा करके बुरा न मानें (Please don't mind)

कृपा करके अंदर आएं (Please come in)

कृपा करके फोन न काटें (Please don't hang up)

कृपा करके सच बोलें (Please speak the truth)

कृपा करके रास्ता दें (Please give way)

कृपा करके खाना खाएं (Please eat food)

कृपा करके मुझे माफ करें (Please forgive me)

Often Confused With

कृपा करके vs कृपया (Kripaya - standalone adverb)

कृपा करके vs कृपा (Kripa - the noun 'grace')

कृपा करके vs करके (Karke - the participle 'having done')

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

कृपा करके vs Kripaya

More formal, often written.

कृपा करके vs Meherbaani

Urdu origin, more poetic.

कृपा करके vs Zara

Informal, means 'just a bit'.

कृपा करके vs Anugrah

Extremely formal, almost religious.

कृपा करके vs Prarthna

Means 'prayer' or 'request' as a noun.

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

sarcasm

If said with a harsh tone, it can be used sarcastically among friends.

interchangeability

Can often be replaced by 'Kripaya', but 'Kripa karke' sounds slightly more personal in speech.

Common Mistakes

Tips

Verb Match

Always pair 'Kripa karke' with verbs ending in '-iye' to maintain a respectful and grammatically correct tone.

Elder Respect

When asking an elder for anything, always use 'Kripa karke'. It shows you have good 'Sanskar' (values).

Email Etiquette

Start your request sentences in emails with 'Kripa karke' to ensure a positive response from colleagues.

Soft Tone

Politeness in Hindi is as much about the tone of voice as it is about the words. Speak softly when using this phrase.

Synonym Choice

Use 'Kripaya' for signs and 'Kripa karke' for talking. This makes you sound more like a native speaker.

Strangers

When asking a stranger for directions, start with 'Kripa karke'. It immediately makes them more willing to help.

Public Notices

Listen for this phrase in metro or bus announcements; it usually precedes an important instruction.

Root Word

Remember 'Kripa' means grace. You are asking for someone's grace when you use this phrase.

No Redundancy

Don't say 'Kripaya kripa karke'. Choose one or the other. 'Kripa karke' is usually enough.

Softening Commands

Even if you are a boss, using 'Kripa karke' with your employees creates a much better working environment.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Sanskrit

Cultural Context

The word 'Kripa' is frequently used in prayers and hymns (Bhajans).

Always use 'Kripa karke' when offering food or a seat to a guest.

In Indian offices, 'Kripa karke' is the standard for written requests.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"कृपा करके क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं? (Please, can you help me?)"

"कृपा करके क्या आप मुझे समय बता सकते हैं? (Please, can you tell me the time?)"

"कृपा करके क्या आप यहाँ बैठना चाहेंगे? (Please, would you like to sit here?)"

"कृपा करके क्या आप मुझे रास्ता दिखा सकते हैं? (Please, can you show me the way?)"

"कृपा करके क्या आप फिर से कह सकते हैं? (Please, can you say that again?)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you had to ask for a big favor using 'Kripa karke'.

List five things you would ask a stranger in India using this phrase.

Describe a formal meeting where everyone was using 'Kripa karke'.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Mostly, yes. It is used in professional settings, with elders, or with strangers. Using it with close friends might sound strange unless you are being sarcastic or making a very serious request.

'Kripaya' is a single word and is very formal, often used in writing or signs. 'Kripa karke' is a phrase and is more common in spoken polite Hindi.

It is not recommended. 'Kripa karke' is formal, while 'Tum' is semi-formal/informal. It's better to use 'Aap' with 'Kripa karke' to keep the tone consistent.

Usually at the very beginning. However, it can also come after the subject (e.g., 'Aap kripa karke...').

Yes, 'Please' is widely understood and used in 'Hinglish'. However, using 'Kripa karke' shows a deeper effort to learn the language and culture.

No, it is an adverbial phrase and remains the same regardless of the gender of the speaker or the listener.

Not directly. You would say 'Nahi, dhanyawad'. 'Kripa karke' is only for making requests.

While Urdu speakers understand it, they are more likely to use 'Meherbaani karke'.

There isn't a direct opposite word for 'please', but a command without any politeness marker would be the functional opposite.

It is like the 'ri' in 'ring' or 'kree' in 'screen'. It is a quick, vocalic sound.