Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “How old are you?” in Urdu. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways to ask this question, while also highlighting any regional variations that may be relevant. So, whether you are planning a trip to Pakistan, have Urdu-speaking friends, or simply have an interest in learning Urdu, this guide will provide you with all the necessary tips and examples you need!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Ask “How Old Are You?” in Urdu
If you find yourself in a formal situation or addressing someone with respect, you can use the following phrase:
“آپ کیا عمر ہوئی ہیں؟” (Aap kia umr huee hain?)
This formal phrase translates to “How old are you?” directly. When using this, make sure to maintain a polite tone, especially when speaking with elders, superiors, or unfamiliar individuals.
Informal Ways to Ask “How Old Are You?” in Urdu
In more casual or informal settings, such as among friends or peers, you can use the following phrases:
- “تم کیتنے سال کے ہو؟” (Tum kitnay saal ke ho?)
Translated as “How old are you?” in an informal manner, this phrase is suitable when talking to someone of the same or younger age. It is a common way to ask amongst friends or acquaintances. - “تُو کتیں سال دی ہوئی ای؟” (Tu katin saal di hoi ae?)
This informal phrase which translates to “How many years have you completed?” is often used conversationally among friends in certain regions of Pakistan, such as Punjab.
Regional Variations in Asking “How Old Are You?” in Urdu
While Urdu is the national language of Pakistan, it does have slight regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. However, when it comes to asking age, the aforementioned formal and informal phrases can be used widely across the country. Nonetheless, variations do exist, particularly in certain regions. Here’s an example from Karachi, where the phrase may differ slightly:
“تُو کتا سال کا آهيو؟” (Tu katta saal ka aahiyon?)
This phrase, which translates to “How many years old are you?” in Karachi Urdu, might be heard in conversations among locals in the city. It’s always interesting to spot these regional variations and adapt accordingly if required!
Tips and Examples for Using the Phrases
Now that we have covered the formal and informal ways to ask someone’s age, let’s dive into some tips and examples that will help you use these phrases effectively:
Tips:
- Pronunciation: Ensure you pronounce each word clearly, emphasizing the correct tone and stress on specific syllables.
- Tone: Adopt a polite and friendly tone while using the formal phrase, and a casual tone when using the informal phrases.
- Gestures: If you are unsure about their response due to language barriers, you can use hand gestures to indicate the question or point to yourself, followed by the umber of fingers corresponding to their age.
Examples:
- Formal:
Person A: (آپ کیا عمر ہوئی ہیں؟) Aap kia umr huee hain?
Person B: (میری عمر 35 سال ہوئی ہے۔) Meri umr pentees saal huee hai. - Informal 1:
Person A: (تم کیتنے سال کے ہو؟) Tum kitnay saal ke ho?
Person B: (میں پندرہ سال کا ہوں۔) Mein pandrah saal ka hoon. - Informal 2:
Person A: (تُو کتیں سال دی ہوئی ای؟) Tu katin saal di hoi ae?
Person B: (میں نون سال ھوئی ھاں۔) Main noon saal hoee haan.
Remember, the more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with these phrases. So, don’t hesitate to use them in conversations and build your Urdu language skills!
