Learning how to express the time in Hindi is a valuable skill that will help you navigate conversations and daily activities in India. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways of expressing time in Hindi. So, let’s dive in and start by exploring the formal phrases.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways of Saying Time
1. Bhor ka samay: The time of dawn (before sunrise).
2. Din ka samay: The time of day (after sunrise and before sunset).
3. Shaam ka samay: The time of evening (before sunset and after dusk).
4. Raat ka samay: The time of night (after dusk).
Informal Ways of Saying Time
An informal approach to telling time in Hindi involves using phrases that are often heard in day-to-day conversations. Here are some commonly used expressions:
1. “Abhi kitne baje hai?” – “What time is it now?”
The above phrase is widely used when asking for the current time. You can substitute “Abhi” with “Aaj” (today) if you want to ask about a specific time within the day.
2. “Savere” – “Morning”
The term “savere” is commonly used to describe the early morning hours. It can be used on its own or combined with the word “baje” (hours) to inquire about a specific time, such as “Savere kitne baje hai?” (What time is it in the morning?).
3. “Dopahar” – “Afternoon”
The term “dopahar” refers to the time period between noon and evening. You can combine it with “baje” to ask for the time in the afternoon, such as “Dopahar kitne baje hai?” (What time is it in the afternoon?).
4. “Sham” – “Evening”
The word “sham” is commonly used to describe the evening hours in Hindi. You can ask for the time in the evening by saying “Sham kitne baje hai?”
5. “Raat” – “Night”
The term “raat” generally refers to the period after sunset. It can be combined with “baje” to ask for the specific time in the night, such as “Raat ke kitne baje hai?” (What time is it at night?).
Regional Variations
The expressions mentioned earlier are commonly understood throughout Hindi-speaking regions. However, it’s important to note that regional variations exist, and some areas may use slightly different phrases or pronunciations.
For example, in certain parts of North India, people may use the term “subah” instead of “savere” to refer to the morning hours. Similarly, “sham” can also be referred to as “saanjh” in some regions. These variations are not significant and are generally understood by Hindi speakers across different areas.
Tip: To further enhance your understanding of telling time in Hindi, consider watching Hindi movies or listening to Hindi songs. They often use time-related vocabulary, which will expose you to different conversational contexts.
Examples:
- “Abhi kitne baje hai?” – “What time is it now?”
- “Savere kitne baje hai?” – “What time is it in the morning?”
- “Dopahar kitne baje hai?” – “What time is it in the afternoon?”
- “Sham kitne baje hai?” – “What time is it in the evening?”
- “Raat ke kitne baje hai?” – “What time is it at night?”
- “Kya aap mujhe samay bata sakte hain?” – “Can you tell me the time?”
Remember, practice makes perfect. Use these phrases in your daily conversations and interactions with Hindi speakers to strengthen your time-telling skills in Hindi.
With this comprehensive guide, you now have the knowledge and tools to confidently express time in Hindi. So go ahead, immerse yourself in the language, and embrace the rich culture of India!
Happy learning!
