खत्म करना

Using this phrase is like building a Lego set. You take a noun, like kaam (work) or khana (food), and add khatm karna right after it. In Hindi, the verb usually comes at the end. So, 'Finish work' becomes kaam khatm karna. If you are doing it right now, you say khatm kar raha hoon. If you already did it, you say khatm kiya. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for your daily chores. Just remember to conjugate the karna part based on who is doing the finishing!

You’ll hear this everywhere. Use it at a restaurant when the waiter asks if you're done. Use it in the office when your boss asks about that report. It’s perfect for texting a friend to say you’ll be late because you’re finishing a chore. It’s also the standard way to tell your kids to finish their vegetables. If there is a clear 'end' to an activity, this phrase fits perfectly. It feels satisfying to say, like a verbal checkmark on a to-do list.

Be careful with people! Saying you want to khatm karna a person sounds like a plot from a Bollywood action movie—it implies 'eliminating' them. Also, don't use it for 'stopping' a moving vehicle; use rokna for that. If a relationship is ending, khatm karna is very heavy and final. It’s not a 'we are taking a break' kind of phrase. It’s a 'we are never speaking again' kind of phrase. Use it for tasks and things, not for pausing or temporary stops.

The word khatm actually has Arabic and Persian roots. It originally referred to a 'seal' or a 'conclusion.' Over centuries, it became a core part of Hindi. In Indian culture, finishing your food is often seen as a sign of respect for the cook (usually your mom). You will often hear Indian parents say, Khana khatm karo! with a mix of love and authority. It’s a word that bridges the gap between ancient literature and modern-day WhatsApp chats.

The most common variation is khatm hona. While khatm karna means *you* are finishing something, khatm hona means something is finishing on its own or running out. For example, if the milk is gone, the milk khatm ho gaya. If you are the one who drank it all to finish it, you khatm kiya. Another variation is samapt karna, which is the high-brow, formal Sanskrit version. You’ll hear samapt on the news or in formal speeches, but in the streets, it’s always khatm.