A2 Expression Neutral 2 min de lectura

तीखा नहीं चाहिए

Not spicy

Literalmente: Spicy not want

Use this phrase to ensure your meal is flavorful without the painful chili burn.

En 15 segundos

  • Use it to request food without chili heat.
  • Works perfectly at restaurants and street food stalls.
  • Short, direct, and understood by everyone across India.

Significado

This is your ultimate survival phrase for dining in India. It literally tells the person serving you that you don't want your food to be spicy or hot.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Ordering at a local dhaba

Bhaiya, dal tadka mein teekha nahi chahiye.

Brother, I don't want the lentil curry to be spicy.

🤝
2

Ordering for a child at a restaurant

Bachon ke liye teekha nahi chahiye.

I don't want it spicy for the children.

😊
3

Formal dinner with a client

Mujhe zyada teekha nahi chahiye, dhanyawad.

I don't want it too spicy, thank you.

💼
🌍

Contexto cultural

In India, 'spicy' is often considered the default flavor profile for savory snacks. Using this phrase marks you as someone who knows their limits, but be prepared for a slightly confused look from a street vendor who can't imagine food without chilies! It is a modern necessity for the globalized Indian palate.

💡

The 'Ji' Factor

If you want to sound instantly more polite and like a local, just add `Ji` at the end: `Teekha nahi chahiye, ji`.

⚠️

Indian 'Not Spicy'

Be careful! An Indian chef's 'not spicy' might still have a little kick. If you truly can't handle any heat, say `Bilkul teekha nahi` (Not spicy at all).

En 15 segundos

  • Use it to request food without chili heat.
  • Works perfectly at restaurants and street food stalls.
  • Short, direct, and understood by everyone across India.

What It Means

Teekha nahi chahiye is a direct way to ask for non-spicy food. In Hindi, teekha refers specifically to the heat from chilies. It is not about the aromatic spices like cumin or cardamom. You are basically asking the chef to hold the green and red chilies. It is a functional, everyday phrase that gets the job done quickly.

How To Use It

You can say this at the end of your order. Just look at the waiter and say it clearly. You don't need complex grammar here. If you want to be extra clear, point at a specific dish. It works for street food and high-end restaurants alike. Most people will understand you immediately.

When To Use It

Use it whenever you are ordering food. It is perfect for street vendors selling chaat. Use it when a friend is cooking for you at home. It is also great for food delivery apps when giving instructions. If you see someone adding extra green chilies, shout this out! It saves your taste buds from a fiery surprise.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it if you are at a formal business dinner. In those cases, use the more polite kripya (please). Avoid saying it aggressively to someone hosting you for the first time. It might sound a bit blunt if not said with a smile. Also, don't use it for sweets! It only applies to savory, potentially spicy dishes.

Cultural Background

India is famous for its love of spice. For many Indians, 'medium' spice is actually quite hot for others. This phrase is a shield for those with a lower tolerance. Interestingly, in some regions, people might still add a little spice. They think 'no spice' is just a suggestion! It’s a funny cultural gap you will likely encounter.

Common Variations

You can say mirch mat dalna which means 'don't put chilies.' Another version is kam teekha which means 'less spicy.' If you are in a rush, just teekha nahi works too. For a polite touch, add ji at the end. Teekha nahi chahiye, ji sounds much softer and respectful.

Notas de uso

This phrase is grammatically simple and highly effective. It sits in the neutral register, making it safe for almost any dining situation.

💡

The 'Ji' Factor

If you want to sound instantly more polite and like a local, just add `Ji` at the end: `Teekha nahi chahiye, ji`.

⚠️

Indian 'Not Spicy'

Be careful! An Indian chef's 'not spicy' might still have a little kick. If you truly can't handle any heat, say `Bilkul teekha nahi` (Not spicy at all).

💬

Teekha vs. Masaledar

Don't confuse `teekha` (chili hot) with `masaledar` (flavorful/spiced). You can have a dish with lots of spices that isn't `teekha`!

Ejemplos

6
#1 Ordering at a local dhaba
🤝

Bhaiya, dal tadka mein teekha nahi chahiye.

Brother, I don't want the lentil curry to be spicy.

Using 'Bhaiya' (brother) makes it friendly and casual.

#2 Ordering for a child at a restaurant
😊

Bachon ke liye teekha nahi chahiye.

I don't want it spicy for the children.

Specifying it's for kids usually ensures they actually listen.

#3 Formal dinner with a client
💼

Mujhe zyada teekha nahi chahiye, dhanyawad.

I don't want it too spicy, thank you.

Adding 'dhanyawad' adds a layer of professional politeness.

#4 Texting a friend about a pizza order
😊

Pizza par chilli flakes mat dalna, teekha nahi chahiye!

Don't put chili flakes on the pizza, don't want it spicy!

Direct and clear for a quick text message.

#5 A humorous moment with a spicy-food-loving friend
😄

Main tumhari tarah aag nahi kha sakta, teekha nahi chahiye!

I can't eat fire like you, I don't want it spicy!

Playfully comparing spicy food to eating fire.

#6 Feeling unwell and needing bland food
💭

Pet kharab hai, bilkul teekha nahi chahiye.

My stomach is upset, I don't want it spicy at all.

Explaining the reason often gets you better service.

Ponte a prueba

How would you tell a street vendor you don't want your snack to be spicy?

Bhaiya, ___ ___ ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: teekha nahi chahiye

This is the standard phrase to request no spice in your food.

Which word specifically refers to the 'heat' of chilies?

Mujhe ___ pasand nahi hai.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: teekha

`Teekha` means spicy-hot, whereas `garam` means temperature-hot.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'Teekha nahi chahiye'

Informal

Used with friends or siblings.

Teekha nahi!

Neutral

Standard way to order at a cafe.

Teekha nahi chahiye.

Formal

Polite request to a waiter.

Kripya, teekha nahi chahiye.

Where to use this phrase

No Spice Please!
🥙

Street Food Stall

Ordering Golgappa

🏠

Friend's House

Dinner invitation

💼

Office Lunch

Ordering catering

📱

Food App

Special instructions

Preguntas frecuentes

11 preguntas

Not necessarily! It just means they won't add extra chilies. The food will still have other spices like turmeric and cumin.

No, this is only for food. For a drink that is too strong or bitter, you would use different words.

In casual settings, you can just say teekha nahi. However, chahiye makes it a complete and clearer sentence.

If you love the heat, say Khoob teekha chahiye or Zyada teekha chahiye.

You can say Yeh bahut teekha hai! which means 'This is very spicy!'

Yes, it is neutral and perfectly acceptable. Adding a smile or a ji makes it even better.

Mirch is the noun for chili, while teekha is the adjective for the spicy sensation.

While Hindi is understood in many urban areas, in the South, the local languages are preferred, but most restaurant staff will understand this phrase.

You can say Medium teekha or Kam teekha (less spicy).

Not really; teekha is the standard word used across all levels of society for chili heat.

No, chahiye is an impersonal verb form in this context, so it stays the same regardless of who is speaking.

Frases relacionadas

Kam mirch

Less chili

Bina mirch ke

Without chilies

Meetha chahiye

I want it sweet

Bahut teekha hai

It is very spicy

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