Polite Imperatives

This grammar focuses on the Aap level of speech. In Hindi, Aap is the formal and respectful word for "you." When you give a command to Aap, you change the verb ending. You aren't just telling someone what to do. You are requesting them to do it with grace. It sounds much softer than the casual forms used with friends. It is like adding "please" without actually saying the word Kripya. The verb ending changes to show this high level of respect. It is a simple shift that changes your entire tone. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. The polite form is always a green light for good social vibes.

1. 1Creating these forms is actually quite simple and consistent.
2. 2Start with the full verb, also known as the infinitive.
3. 3Remove the -na ending to find the verb root.
4. 4Add the suffix -iye to that verb root.
5. 5For example, take the verb Bolna (to speak). The root is Bol. Add -iye to get Boliye. Another example is Baithna (to sit). The root is Baith. Add -iye to get Baithiye.
6. 6Wait! There are four special "rebel" verbs you must know. These are irregular but very common in daily life.
7. 7Karna (to do) becomes Kijiye.
8. 8Dena (to give) becomes Dijiye.
9. 9Lena (to take) becomes Lijiye.
10. 10Peena (to drink) becomes Pijiye.
11. 11Memorize these four rebels first. They appear in almost every conversation you will have.

Use this form when you are ordering food at a restaurant. Tell the waiter Lijiye (take) or Laiye (bring). Use it when asking for directions on a busy street. It shows you are a cultured and respectful traveler. Use it with your boss or colleagues at work. It keeps the workplace professional and friendly. Use it with anyone older than you, even family members. It is a sign of good upbringing in Indian society. Use it when you want to be extra charming or persuasive. People are more likely to help if you are polite. It is like wearing a digital suit and tie for your voice.

Don't use this with your very close friends or siblings. They might think you are being sarcastic or weirdly formal. It can feel like a wall between people who are close. Don't use it with children or pets. Your cat won't care about your grammar skills anyway. Avoid it when you are in a very casual setting like a playground. In those cases, the Tum form is much more natural. Using it wrongly can feel like wearing a tuxedo to the beach. It is technically correct, but it just feels a bit out of place. Save the -iye for when respect is the main goal.

The biggest mistake is mixing Tum and Aap. If you start a sentence with Aap, finish with -iye. Don't say Aap baitho. That sounds very confusing to native speakers. Another mistake involves the "rebel" verbs mentioned earlier. Many learners say Kariye instead of the correct Kijiye. While people will understand you, it sounds a bit unpolished. It is like saying "I goed" instead of "I went." Also, don't forget the i sound in the ending. It is Boliye, not just Bolye. Make sure that vowel is clear and distinct. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes when they are in a rush!

Compare this to the Tum form used for friends. The Tum form ends in a simple -o. Baitho is for your buddies. Baithiye is for your grandmother or your teacher. Then there is the Tu form, which is just the root: Baith. Only use Tu for God, very intimate friends, or if you are angry. But let's stay polite for now! The -iye form is the safest bet for learners. When in doubt, always go for the polite version. You can never be "too polite" when learning a new language. It builds bridges and opens doors that casual speech might close.