A1 Expression 중립 2분 분량

एक मिनट रुको

Wait a minute

직역: One (ek) minute (minat) wait (ruko)

Use this phrase to politely pause a situation when you need a moment to catch up or finish.

15초 만에

  • A versatile phrase to ask for a brief pause or delay.
  • Use 'ruko' for friends and 'rukiye' for elders or strangers.
  • Perfect for phone calls, finding items, or gathering your thoughts.

This is your go-to phrase for hitting the pause button. Use it when you need someone to stop what they are doing or wait for a moment while you finish a task.

주요 예문

3 / 6
1

Answering a phone call while with a friend

Ek minat ruko, mujhe ye call leni hai.

Wait a minute, I have to take this call.

😊
2

In a professional setting with a colleague

Ek minat rukiye, main file check karta hoon.

Wait a minute, let me check the file.

💼
3

Texting a friend who is messaging too fast

Ek minat ruko! Itne saare messages?

Wait a minute! So many messages?

😄
🌍

문화적 배경

In India, 'one minute' is rarely exactly sixty seconds; it is a social contract indicating a short pause. The phrase reflects the 'Chalta Hai' (it's okay/life goes on) attitude where small delays are handled with patience and a smile.

💡

The Power of 'Zara'

Add 'zara' before the phrase ('Zara ek minat ruko') to sound much more natural and less like you are giving an order.

⚠️

Watch the Tone

If said too loudly, 'Ruko!' can sound like 'Stop!' in a harsh way. Keep your voice soft to ensure it remains a request for time.

15초 만에

  • A versatile phrase to ask for a brief pause or delay.
  • Use 'ruko' for friends and 'rukiye' for elders or strangers.
  • Perfect for phone calls, finding items, or gathering your thoughts.

What It Means

Ek minat ruko is the Hindi equivalent of "Wait a minute." It is simple, direct, and incredibly common. You are literally asking for sixty seconds of patience. In reality, it usually means anywhere from five seconds to five minutes. It is a functional phrase that keeps social interactions smooth.

How To Use It

Place this phrase at the start of your sentence to grab attention. You can also use it as a standalone command. If you are busy, just say it while holding up an index finger. This universal gesture works wonders in India. It is a great way to manage your time during a conversation.

When To Use It

Use it when your phone rings during a chat. Use it when you are looking for your keys. It is perfect for a waiter who is walking too fast. It works well when you are texting and need a second to think. If someone asks you a question you cannot answer yet, this buys you time.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this with your boss or elders. The word ruko is a bit too blunt for them. In very formal meetings, it might sound slightly impatient. Avoid using it if someone is in a genuine emergency. It is not for high-stakes situations where every second counts. Also, do not say it if you plan to be gone for an hour. That is just bad manners!

Cultural Background

Time in India can be quite flexible. The phrase ek minat is often a polite placeholder. It signals that you value the other person's presence. Even though life in cities is fast, people appreciate this small verbal bridge. It shows you are coming back to the conversation soon. It is a staple of Bollywood movies and street-side tea stalls alike.

Common Variations

If you want to be more polite, say ek minat rukiye. This uses the formal version of the verb. For your best friends, you might just say ek minat. You can also add zara at the beginning. This makes it sound softer, like "just a minute."

사용 참고사항

The phrase is neutral but leans informal due to the 'ruko' ending. Always switch to 'rukiye' when speaking to someone older or in a position of respect to avoid sounding blunt.

💡

The Power of 'Zara'

Add 'zara' before the phrase ('Zara ek minat ruko') to sound much more natural and less like you are giving an order.

⚠️

Watch the Tone

If said too loudly, 'Ruko!' can sound like 'Stop!' in a harsh way. Keep your voice soft to ensure it remains a request for time.

💬

The Indian Minute

In India, 'ek minat' is a concept, not a timer. Don't be surprised if your 'one minute' lasts for five—people are generally patient!

예시

6
#1 Answering a phone call while with a friend
😊

Ek minat ruko, mujhe ye call leni hai.

Wait a minute, I have to take this call.

A very common way to pause a social interaction.

#2 In a professional setting with a colleague
💼

Ek minat rukiye, main file check karta hoon.

Wait a minute, let me check the file.

Uses the polite 'rukiye' for a professional touch.

#3 Texting a friend who is messaging too fast
😄

Ek minat ruko! Itne saare messages?

Wait a minute! So many messages?

Used to express slight overwhelm in a playful way.

#4 Searching for lost car keys
🤝

Ek minat ruko, meri chaabi nahi mil rahi.

Wait a minute, I can't find my keys.

Explaining the reason for the delay.

#5 During a deep conversation
💭

Ek minat ruko, main samajh nahi pa raha.

Wait a minute, I am not able to understand.

Used to pause and process emotional or complex info.

#6 Ordering at a busy food stall
😊

Bhaiya, ek minat ruko, menu dekhne do.

Brother, wait a minute, let me see the menu.

Standard way to ask for time in a retail environment.

셀프 테스트

Choose the correct verb form for a friend.

Rahul, ek minat ___.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: ruko

'Ruko' is the informal/neutral imperative used for friends.

Complete the phrase to ask for a moment politely.

___ minat ruko.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Ek

'Ek' means one, completing the standard phrase for 'one minute'.

🎉 점수: /2

시각 학습 자료

Formality Levels of Waiting

Informal

Used with close friends or younger siblings.

Ek minat ruk!

Neutral

Standard daily usage with peers.

Ek minat ruko.

Formal

Used for elders, bosses, or customers.

Ek minat rukiye.

Where to use Ek Minat Ruko

Ek Minat Ruko
🛍️

At the Market

Checking the price

📞

On a Call

Someone at the door

🥛

In the Kitchen

Milk is boiling over

🚶

Crossing Road

Telling a friend to stop

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It literally means 'One minute wait.' It is the standard way to ask someone to pause.

It is better to say Ek minat rukiye to a stranger. The ye ending makes it respectful.

Yes, but use the formal Ek minat rukiye. It is common when you need to pull up a slide or check data.

Ruko is neutral/informal for peers. Rukiye is formal for elders or people in authority.

You can say Ek second ruko. Hindi speakers use the English word 'second' very frequently.

Yes! Often the verb ruko is dropped entirely. Just saying Ek minat... with a trailing voice works perfectly.

Younger people might say Hold kar (Hold on), borrowing from English phone terminology.

You should say Thoda intezar kijiye. This means 'Please wait for a while' and is much more formal.

You can say Theek hai (Okay) or simply nod and wait.

Zara means 'just a bit.' It softens the command, making it sound like 'Just wait a sec' rather than 'Wait!'

관련 표현

Ek second ruko

Wait a second

Thoda intezar karo

Wait a little bit

Rukiye

Please wait (Formal)

Abhi aaya

Coming right now (used when leaving for a minute)

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