पैसे वापस दो

The phrase is built from three parts. paise means money. vaapas means back or return. do is the command form of 'give'. You can swap do for dijiye to sound more polite. If you are angry, your tone will do the heavy lifting. Just point at the empty palm of your hand for effect.

Use it at a market if a vendor overcharged you. Use it when a friend 'forgets' they owe you for lunch. It works perfectly for failed services too. If your rickshaw breaks down halfway, this is your go-to line. It is also common in retail disputes or refund desks.

Do not use this with your boss or elders. It sounds very demanding and slightly aggressive. Avoid it in high-end luxury stores unless you want a scene. If you are just asking for a favor, this is too blunt. Never say this to a waiter who is still processing your bill. Patience is a virtue, until it isn't.

In India, bargaining and small debts are part of daily life. Money is often discussed more openly than in the West. However, asking for it back can be awkward. People often use 'soft' language first. paise vaapas do is the 'final boss' of requests. It signals that the friendship might be on thin ice over a few rupees.

You can say mere paise vaapas do to emphasize 'my' money. For a softer touch, try paise vaapas de do. If you are being extremely formal, use kripya paise vaapas kijiye. In Mumbai, you might hear rokda nikaal, which is much more 'street'. Stick to the standard version to stay safe.