Meaning
Informing that you will return shortly.
Cultural Background
In Uzbek culture, it is considered impolite to leave a social gathering without saying anything. 'Hozir kelaman' acts as a verbal 'bookmark' for your presence. In meetings, if you need to take an urgent call, a slight nod and 'Hozir kelaman' is acceptable, though 'Kechirasiz' should be added. Sellers use this to keep a customer at their stall while they go to get change or a different size from the back. A host will often say this when they go to the kitchen to bring more food, ensuring the guest doesn't feel abandoned.
The Hand Gesture
When saying 'Hozir kelaman' in a group, a slight tilt of the head or a hand placed on the chest makes it much more authentic and polite.
Don't overstay
If you say 'Hozir kelaman' and stay away for 30 minutes, it's considered quite rude. If you're delayed, send a message!
Meaning
Informing that you will return shortly.
The Hand Gesture
When saying 'Hozir kelaman' in a group, a slight tilt of the head or a hand placed on the chest makes it much more authentic and polite.
Don't overstay
If you say 'Hozir kelaman' and stay away for 30 minutes, it's considered quite rude. If you're delayed, send a message!
The '-da' trick
Add '-da' to the end (Hozir kelaman-da) to sound like you've lived in Tashkent for years. It adds a friendly, casual nuance.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say 'I'll be right back'.
Men ______ kelaman.
'Hozir' means now/immediately, which is required for this phrase.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You are at a friend's house and need to answer your phone in the other room.
This phrase is used for temporary absences.
Which suffix makes 'Hozir kelaman' sound more casual and natural?
Hozir kelaman____
The particle '-da' is often added in colloquial Uzbek to soften the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Choy ichasizmi? B: Rahmat, ______, qo'limni yuvib olay.
B is saying they will be right back after washing their hands.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMen ______ kelaman.
'Hozir' means now/immediately, which is required for this phrase.
You are at a friend's house and need to answer your phone in the other room.
This phrase is used for temporary absences.
Hozir kelaman____
The particle '-da' is often added in colloquial Uzbek to soften the phrase.
A: Choy ichasizmi? B: Rahmat, ______, qo'limni yuvib olay.
B is saying they will be right back after washing their hands.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in very informal settings or when shouting from another room, 'Hozir!' is enough to mean 'I'm coming!'
Yes, but add 'Kechirasiz' (Excuse me) before it to maintain professional distance.
'Kelaman' means 'I will come', 'Qaytaman' means 'I will return'. They are mostly interchangeable for 'BRB', but 'kelaman' is more common.
Use 'U hozir keladi'.
Mostly, yes. But in social contexts, it can mean 'in a few minutes'.
Yes: Ҳозир келаман.
Only if you intend to come back in a few minutes. If you're leaving for good, say 'Xayr'.
It's a colloquial particle that adds emphasis or a sense of 'just'. It makes the speech sound smoother.
It is neutral. It's safe for almost any situation.
Say 'Bir soatda kelaman' instead.
Related Phrases
Hozir qaytaman
synonymI will return now.
Bir pasda kelaman
similarI'll be back in a blink.
Tezda qaytaman
similarI will return quickly.
Hozir kelyapman
builds onI am coming right now.
