भगवान आपका भला करे
bhagwan aapka bhala kare
The Hindi phrase for "bless you" is भगवान आपका भला करे (bhagwan aapka bhala kare).
This phrase is used as an interjection when someone has sneezed.
Meaning: said to somebody who has sneezed (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "May God do your good".
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the level of formality by modifying the possessive pronoun: use tumhara for an informal tone, or tera for a very informal or intimate tone used with close friends or younger people.
How do you pronounce it?
bhagwan aapka bhala kare
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'bless you' as a reflex, in many parts of India, it is more common to remain silent after someone sneezes rather than offering a formal blessing.
- Because भगवान आपका भला करे is quite formal and religious, friends often use secular slang or simply ignore the sneeze, making this specific phrase sound very heartfelt or dramatic in a casual setting.
- In Hindi, there is a distinction between भगवान (God) and ईश्वर (Ishwar). While both are used in blessings, भगवान is more common in daily spoken Hindi across different regions.
Example conversation
Anjali and Aditya are sitting in a living room.
- अंजलि Anjali*छींकता हूँ**chhīṅktā hūm**Sneezes*
- आदित्य Adityaभगवान आपका भला करे, आदित्य।Bhagavān āpkā bhālā kare, Āditya.Bless you, Aditya.
- अंजलि Anjaliशुक्रिया, अंजलि।Shukriyā, Anjali.Thank you, Anjali.
- आदित्य Adityaकोई बात नहीं।Kōī bāt nahīṅ.No problem.
