Meaning
Asking for the current time.
Cultural Background
In Marathi culture, time is often discussed in relation to meals or light. 'Sāḍe-bārā' (12:30) is synonymous with lunch time. In cities like Mumbai, people are very punctual and will give you the exact minute. In villages, the answer might be more approximate. It is polite to use 'काका' (Uncle) or 'ताई' (Sister) when asking a stranger for the time. Specific times of day like 'Sandhyākāḷ' (twilight) have religious significance for prayers (Aarti).
The 'Jhālī' Rule
Always use the feminine 'jhālī' with 'veḷ'. If you use 'jhālā', people will still understand you, but you'll sound like a beginner.
Politeness Matters
Add 'अहो' (aho) at the beginning to be extra respectful to elders.
Meaning
Asking for the current time.
The 'Jhālī' Rule
Always use the feminine 'jhālī' with 'veḷ'. If you use 'jhālā', people will still understand you, but you'll sound like a beginner.
Politeness Matters
Add 'अहो' (aho) at the beginning to be extra respectful to elders.
Don't just say 'वेळ?'
Just saying 'वेळ?' is too abrupt. Always use the full phrase 'वेळ काय झाली?' for better social results.
Listen for 'किती वाजले'
You will hear 'किती वाजले' more often in movies. Learn both to improve your listening skills.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase with the correct verb form.
वेळ काय _______?
'वेळ' is a feminine noun, so the verb must be 'झाली'.
Which of these is the most common way to ask the time in Marathi?
Select the correct option:
'वेळ काय झाली?' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: क्षमा करा, _______? B: पाच वाजले आहेत.
The response 'पाच वाजले' (It's 5 o'clock) indicates the question was about time.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You are at a train station and your phone is dead. You need to know the time.
This is the standard way to ask for the current time.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesवेळ काय _______?
'वेळ' is a feminine noun, so the verb must be 'झाली'.
Select the correct option:
'वेळ काय झाली?' is the standard idiomatic expression.
A: क्षमा करा, _______? B: पाच वाजले आहेत.
The response 'पाच वाजले' (It's 5 o'clock) indicates the question was about time.
You are at a train station and your phone is dead. You need to know the time.
This is the standard way to ask for the current time.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, and strangers.
Yes, in casual Mumbai slang, this is very common, but it's not 'pure' Marathi.
'Jhālī' (has become) is more idiomatic in Marathi than 'āhe' (is) when asking for the time.
You can say '[Number] वाजले आहेत.' For example, 'दोन वाजले आहेत' (It is 2 o'clock).
Use 'गाडीची वेळ काय आहे?' (What is the train's time?)
Yes, in standard Marathi, 'वेळ' is always a feminine noun.
'वेळ' is common and spoken; 'समय' is formal and literary.
Say 'कृपया, वेळ काय झाली आहे सांगाल का?'
No, for a date, ask 'आज तारीख काय आहे?' (What is the date today?)
It can also mean 'turn' or 'occasion' (e.g., 'या वेळी' - this time).
Related Phrases
किती वाजले?
synonymWhat time is it? (lit. How many struck?)
वेळ पाळा
builds onBe punctual.
वेळ संपली
contrastTime is up.
शुभ वेळ
specialized formAuspicious time.
