आपको
aapko
आपको (aapko) is the Hindi way to say 'to you'.
आपको is used when 'you' is the indirect object of a verb, such as in 'to give to you' or 'to tell to you'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the formal pronoun आप (you) and the postposition को (to).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
आपको is the polite form used when addressing elders, strangers or in professional settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form आपको is used when 'you' is the indirect object of a verb.
How do you pronounce it?
aapko
Did you know?
- The word aap was originally used to refer to oneself in the third person as a sign of extreme humility before it became the standard formal 'you'.
- While aapko is the formal 'you', using it with a close friend or a younger sibling can unexpectedly sound sarcastic or create an intentional emotional distance.
- In many Hindi songs and Bollywood films, you will hear the word आपको used to express deep devotion or romantic longing. This elevates the listener to a status of high respect in the eyes of the singer.
Examples in context
- आपको क्या चाहिए?aapko kya chahiye?What do you want?
- यह तोहफा आपको पसंद आएगा।yeh tohfa aapko pasand aayega.You will like this gift.
- क्या आपको मदद चाहिए?kya aapko madad chahiye?Do you need help?
Example conversation
Aditya is offering Priya a cup of tea in an office setting.
- आदित्य Adityaप्रिया, क्या आपको चाय चाहिए?Priya, kya aapko chai chahiye?Priya, do you want tea?
- प्रिया Priyaहाँ, शुक्रिया आदित्य।haan, shukriya Aditya.Yes, thank you Aditya.
- आदित्य Adityaक्या आपको चीनी ज्यादा चाहिए?kya aapko cheeni zyada chahiye?Do you want more sugar?
- प्रिया Priyaनहीं, इतनी काफी है।nahi, itni kaafi hai.No, this is enough.
