What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of जो (jo), meaning 'that' or 'which'. भी (bhi), meaning 'also' or 'even'. And हो (ho), meaning 'be' or 'is'. Together, they literally mean 'whatever it may be'.
Which one should you use?
While जो भी हो is used to dismiss a topic, other forms carry different nuances: कुछ भी is a common and neutral way to say 'whatever'. जो चाहो means 'whatever you desire'. तुम्हारी मर्ज़ी literally means 'as you wish' and is a polite way to express indifference. चलता है is an informal way to say 'whatever' or 'it's okay'. And जैसा चाहो is an informal way to say 'whatever you wish'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using जो भी हो as a standalone exclamation to dismiss someone is considered informal and can be perceived as rude or dismissive in polite conversation. For a more polite approach, you can use तुम्हारी मर्ज़ी, which means 'as you wish'.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is jo bhi ho. The IPA is /dʒoː bʱiː ɦoː/.
Did you know?
- The word हो in जो भी हो shares a common ancient root with the English word 'be'. Both descend from the Proto-Indo-European root *bʰuH-.
- While जो भी हो is dismissive, the phrase चलता है reflects a cultural philosophy of 'adjustment' or 'making do' in Indian society.
Examples in context
- जो भी हो!Whatever!This sentence is useful for practicing the exclamation जो भी हो.Tatoeba #4078398 by sabretou, translation #491243 by aandrusiak
- जो भी हो, मुझे फर्क नहीं पड़ता।Jo bhi ho, mujhe fark nahi padta.Whatever, it doesn't matter to me.
- जो भी हो, अब बहुत देर हो चुकी है।Jo bhi ho, ab bahut der ho chuki hai.Whatever, it is already too late.
Example conversation
Amit and Puja are having a small argument about a plan.
- पूजा Poojaतुम क्या चाहती हो, मुझे नहीं पता।Tum kya chahti ho, mujhe nahi pata.I don't know what you want.
- अमित Amitजो भी हो, चलो चलते हैं।Jo bhi ho, chalo chalte hain.Whatever, let's just go.
- पूजा Poojaक्या तुम सच में गुस्सा हो?Kya tum sach mein gussa ho?Are you really angry?
- अमित Amitनहीं, बस जाने दो।Nahi, bas jaane do.No, just let's go.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (जो, भी, हो) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries जो, भी, हो, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
