If you’re learning Hindi and want to sound polite, one of the first words you’ll need is “please.” But here’s the catch: Hindi doesn’t always use the word please the same way English does.
Instead, politeness often comes through tone, context, and respectful word choices. In this article, we’ll explore how to say please in Hindi, plus share some real-life examples and cultural insights.
The Official Way: “Kripya”
The word Kripya (pronounced kri-pya) is the Hindi equivalent of please. You’ll often hear it in formal announcements, written instructions, or polite notices.
- Kripya darwaaza band kijiye – Please close the door.
- Kripya dhyaan dijiye – Please pay attention.
Note: In everyday conversations, kripya can sound a bit stiff or old-fashioned. Most native speakers don’t use it casually with friends or family.
A More Natural Choice: “Zara”
For casual conversations, use zara (pronounced za-ra). It makes requests sound softer and more polite without being too formal. Literally, “zara” means “a bit.”
- Zara paani dena – Please give me some water.
- Zara idhar aaiye – Please come here.
Mixing Hindi and English: Using “Please” Directly
Modern Hindi speakers often borrow the English word please in everyday speech. It’s completely normal, especially in cities, workplaces, and casual chats.
- Please chai bana do – Please make tea.
- Mujhe pen do please – Give me the pen, please.
Cultural Note: Politeness Beyond Words
In Hindi culture, politeness isn’t just about using please. It’s also about using respectful pronouns like aap instead of tum or tu, adding softeners like toh, na, or zara, and using a gentle tone.
Quick Comparison
| English | Hindi (Roman Script) | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Please (formal) | Kripya | Signs, announcements, formal requests |
| Please (casual) | Zara | Everyday friendly requests |
| Please (polite verbs) | Kijiye / Dijiye | Polite conversation, respectful tone |
| Please (English) | Please | Casual Hinglish |
Frequently asked questions
No — Kripya is formal. In daily life, Zara or polite verb forms like dijiye are more natural and common.
Yes — many people mix English and Hindi, so you’ll often hear the word please in everyday conversations.
Kripya is more formal, while Zara feels friendlier and more natural in conversation.
Absolutely. Saying paani dijiye already means please give water — the polite verb form does the work.
Dijiye is polite and respectful, while dena is casual and used with close friends.
Not at all — politeness in Hindi often comes through tone and respectful pronouns rather than a specific word.
That’s it! Don’t stress too much. When in doubt, just say “Please” and you’ll be good. Subscribe for more conversational Hindi tips.
Next up: read how to say Thank You in Hindi and more!