Meaning
Initiating a telephone conversation.
Cultural Background
Calling elders requires the honorific suffix '-na' (e.g., Ajobana phone lav). It's considered rude to call someone during traditional nap times (1 PM to 4 PM) in cities like Pune. In Marathi-speaking offices, 'phone lavne' is used for both internal and external calls. It's common to ask 'Phone lavu ka?' (Should I call?) before initiating a conference call. In villages, 'phone lavne' might refer to calling the 'Sarpanch' (village head) or a local shop for information. It's a key tool for community coordination. Younger generations use 'phone lavne' interchangeably with 'video call lavne' or 'WhatsApp call lavne'. The medium changes, but the verb remains.
The '-la' Rule
Always remember to add '-la' to the person you are calling. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Don't use for 'answering'
If someone calls you, don't say 'Mi phone lavla'. Say 'Mi phone uchalla'.
Meaning
Initiating a telephone conversation.
The '-la' Rule
Always remember to add '-la' to the person you are calling. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Don't use for 'answering'
If someone calls you, don't say 'Mi phone lavla'. Say 'Mi phone uchalla'.
Try 'Phone Kar'
If you forget 'lavne', 'phone kar' (do a phone) is a safe and understood alternative in all urban areas.
Missed Calls
In India, giving a 'missed call' is a common way to say 'I'm here' or 'Call me back'. You can say 'Missed call lav'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'phone lavne'.
मी काल माझ्या मित्रा____ फोन ____.
The person (mitra) needs '-la' and the past tense for 'yesterday' (kal) is 'lavla'.
Which sentence is correct for 'Call the doctor'?
Choose the correct Marathi translation:
Doctors are usually addressed with respect, so the plural/honorific '-na' is used: 'Doctor-an-na'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: खूप उशीर झाला आहे. B: हो, आता कोणालाही _________.
The context 'It's very late' suggests the negative command 'Don't call'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You want to call your boss tomorrow morning.
'Udaya' (tomorrow) requires the future tense 'lavin'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Calling vs. Answering
Practice Bank
4 exercisesमी काल माझ्या मित्रा____ फोन ____.
The person (mitra) needs '-la' and the past tense for 'yesterday' (kal) is 'lavla'.
Choose the correct Marathi translation:
Doctors are usually addressed with respect, so the plural/honorific '-na' is used: 'Doctor-an-na'.
A: खूप उशीर झाला आहे. B: हो, आता कोणालाही _________.
The context 'It's very late' suggests the negative command 'Don't call'.
Situation: You want to call your boss tomorrow morning.
'Udaya' (tomorrow) requires the future tense 'lavin'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, it is very common to say 'WhatsApp phone lav' or 'Video call lav'.
Both are correct. 'Phone lavne' is more traditional/idiomatic, while 'phone karne' is more modern/influenced by English.
You can say 'Mi phone lavnyacha prayatna karat ahe'.
It is 'phone laavla' (masculine/neutral) or 'phone laavli' (feminine object, but since phone is masculine, it's usually 'laavla').
Yes, say 'mala phone lav'.
Yes, it's a very common verb meaning to fix, apply, plant, or turn on (like a light).
Yes, but use the honorific form: 'Me tumhala phone lavu ka?' (Should I call you?)
Mala phone lavu nako.
You say 'Phone lagat nahiye' (The call isn't going through) or 'Line busy ahe'.
Yes, 'sampark sadhne' (to contact) is used in formal contexts.
No, unless the animal has a phone! It's specifically for telecommunications.
'Lavne' is the act of dialing; 'bolne' is the act of speaking. You 'lavne' to start 'bolne'.
Yes, it is universally understood across Maharashtra.
Mi tula parat phone lavin.
Related Phrases
फोन उचलणे
contrastTo answer a call
फोन कापणे
contrastTo hang up/cut the call
फोन येणे
similarTo receive a call
संपर्क साधणे
specialized formTo establish contact
मिस कॉल देणे
similarTo give a missed call
