कृपया
kŕpyā/kɾɪp.jɑː/
The English word "please" is translated into Hindi using several forms, most commonly कृपया (kŕpyā). Wiktionary also lists मेहरबानी करके (meharbānī karke) and प्लीज़ (plīz).
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| कृपया | kŕpyā | /kɾɪp.jɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) | |
| मेहरबानी करके | meharbānī karke | ||
| प्लीज़ | plīz | /pliːz/ (Hindi, Standard) /pliːd͡ʒ/ (Hindi, Standard) |
colloquial |
| कृपा करके | kŕpā karke |
In Hindi, कृपया is often placed at the beginning of a sentence to soften a command or request.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase कृपा करके literally means "doing kindness", as it is composed of कृपा (kindness/grace) and करके (having done/doing).
Which one should you use?
While कृपया is the standard term, मेहरबानी करके sounds more old-fashioned or literary. The English loanword प्लीज़ is also used in casual settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
कृपया is the formal choice and is typically used in written instructions, announcements or formal requests. For casual, urban conversations, the colloquial English loanword प्लीज़ is very common. मेहरबानी करके carries a more literary or old-fashioned tone.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
kŕpyā (/kɾɪp.jɑː/). It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- While कृपया is the standard formal term, many Hindi speakers avoid using any specific word for 'please' and instead convey politeness through the verb ending.
- The word मेहरबान within the phrase मेहरबानी करके is related to the Persian word for 'Sun'. It historically evokes the warmth and brightness of a benevolent being.
- The formal word कृपया is actually a grammatical case of a Sanskrit noun, specifically the instrumental singular form. This means it literally functions as 'by means of kindness'.
Examples in context
- कृपया आवश्यक मरम्मत ही करें।Just do the essential repairs, please.This sentence shows how to use कृपया for a specific request regarding repairs.Tatoeba #11127554 by thevikas, translation #1796063 by Tamy
- कृपया मेरे लिए आज का अख़बार लाना।Bring me today's paper, please.This sentence demonstrates the use of कृपया when asking someone to bring an item.Tatoeba #883259 by thevikas, translation #242603 by CM
- भोजन करते समय कृपया अपने मोबाइल फ़ोन को ना देखें।Please don't look at your mobile phone while we're eating.This sentence illustrates how कृपया is used to soften a request or instruction regarding mobile phone usage.Tatoeba #8889252 by simranbansal, translation #1021048 by CK
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anjali and Amit are in a library.
- अंजलि Anjaliकृपया, थोड़ा धीरे बोलिए।Kripaya, thoda dheere boliye.Please speak a little more quietly.
- अमित Amitओह, मुझे माफ़ करना अंजलि।Oh, mujhe maaf karna Anjali.Oh, I am sorry Anjali.
- अंजलि Anjaliक्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं?Kya aap meri madad kar sakte hain?Can you help me?
- अमित Amitहाँ, मैं ज़रूर करूँगा।Haan, main zaroor karoonga.Yes, I definitely will.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries कृपया, प्लीज़, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries कृपया, कृपा, प्लीज़, मेहरबानी, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
