Meaning
A simple request or command.
Cultural Background
In Pakistani homes, it is common to hear 'Kaun?' (Who?) before the door is opened. This is for security and privacy. The etiquette of 'Pehle Aap' (You first) often applies at doors. People will insist others enter first. The 'Dar' (door) of a shrine is a place of deep reverence. Opening it symbolizes spiritual awakening. With the rise of gated communities, 'Darwaza kholain' is often said to security guards over an intercom.
The 'Aap' Rule
Always use 'kholain' with anyone older than you, even if they are your siblings.
Don't be too loud
In Urdu culture, shouting 'Darwaza kholain' can sound aggressive. Use a calm, polite tone.
Meaning
A simple request or command.
The 'Aap' Rule
Always use 'kholain' with anyone older than you, even if they are your siblings.
Don't be too loud
In Urdu culture, shouting 'Darwaza kholain' can sound aggressive. Use a calm, polite tone.
Knocking Etiquette
It is polite to knock three times and wait. If no one answers, don't keep shouting 'kholain'.
Test Yourself
Which form is most appropriate when speaking to your teacher?
استاد صاحب، _________۔
The '-ain' ending is the correct formal imperative for a teacher.
Complete the sentence with the word for 'door'.
براہ کرم _________ کھولیں۔
'Darwaza' means door.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are at a friend's house and their little brother is standing by the door.
Since it's a younger person in an informal setting, 'kholo' is better.
Complete the dialogue.
A: باہر کون ہے؟ B: میں علی ہوں۔ _________۔
Ali is asking to be let in.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Politeness Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاستاد صاحب، _________۔
The '-ain' ending is the correct formal imperative for a teacher.
براہ کرم _________ کھولیں۔
'Darwaza' means door.
Situation: You are at a friend's house and their little brother is standing by the door.
Since it's a younger person in an informal setting, 'kholo' is better.
A: باہر کون ہے؟ B: میں علی ہوں۔ _________۔
Ali is asking to be let in.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, 'Khirki kholain' is perfectly correct.
The verb form 'kholain' is gender-neutral for the person being addressed.
'Kholiye' is slightly more formal and traditional, while 'kholain' is the standard modern polite form.
You can say 'Mere liye darwaza kholain'.
Yes, 'Website kholain' is common in tech contexts.
Only if you say it to an elder or a stranger. With friends, it's normal.
Add 'Meherbani karke' or 'Barah-e-karam' at the beginning.
You could say 'Darwaza phans gaya hai' (The door is stuck).
'Dar' is mostly used in poetry or very formal titles, not in daily speech.
Say 'Jaldi darwaza kholain'.
Yes, 'Gaari ka darwaza kholain'.
'Band karain' (Close).
Related Phrases
دروازہ بند کریں
contrastClose the door
اندر آئیں
builds onCome in
دستک دینا
similarTo knock
چابی کہاں ہے؟
similarWhere is the key?
دروازہ کھلا ہے
similarThe door is open
