साफ़ नहीं है

You use it just like an adjective in English. Place the object first, then add the phrase. For example, 'The water is not clean' becomes Paani saaf nahi hai. It is a short, punchy sentence. You don't need complex grammar to make your point. If you are pointing at a stain, just say the phrase. People will immediately get what you mean. It is perfect for beginners because it is hard to mess up.

Use it at a restaurant if the spoon looks suspicious. Use it when looking at a foggy mirror after a shower. It is great for tech issues too. If your friend's video is lagging, tell them the picture saaf nahi hai. If someone gives you directions that make no sense, this phrase works there too. It signals that you need more information or a better result. It is a polite way to ask for a 'do-over.'

Avoid using this to describe someone's character unless you want to be very rude. In Hindi, saying someone's 'heart' or 'intentions' are not clean is a heavy insult. Don't use it for complex moral dilemmas. It is better for physical objects or sensory clarity. Also, if a room is a total disaster zone, saaf nahi hai might be too mild. You might need stronger words for a 'pigsty.'

In India, cleanliness is often linked to hospitality and respect. If you tell a host something is saaf nahi hai, they might take it personally. However, in street food culture, people are very observant. You will often hear customers asking for a cleaner glass or plate. The word saaf comes from Persian but is deeply embedded in everyday Hindi. It represents an ideal state of purity.

You can add bilkul to say it is 'not clean at all.' For example, Bilkul saaf nahi hai. If you want to be more formal, you might use swachh, but that sounds like a government slogan. Stick to saaf for daily life. If you are talking about the past, change hai to tha. 'The room was not clean' becomes Kamra saaf nahi tha. Simple and effective!