आगे बढ़ो
Move forward
Literally: Forward (आगे) Move (बढ़ो)
Use it to encourage progress or physically move someone along, but mind your tone with elders.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'move forward' or 'keep going' in physical or life contexts.
- Use 'Aage Badho' for friends and 'Aage Badhiye' for elders.
- Perfect for motivation, giving directions, or navigating through crowds.
Meaning
It is a versatile way to say 'move forward' or 'keep going.' You use it to tell someone to physically walk ahead or to encourage them to progress in life.
Key Examples
3 of 6Navigating a crowded market
भैया, थोड़ा आगे बढ़ो।
Brother, move forward a little.
Motivating a friend after a breakup
पुरानी बातें छोड़ो और आगे बढ़ो।
Leave the old things and move forward.
In a formal meeting (polite version)
अब हमें अगले विषय पर आगे बढ़ना चाहिए।
Now we should move forward to the next topic.
Cultural Background
The phrase captures the 'hustle' culture of modern India. It is famously associated with post-independence national growth and is a staple in Bollywood motivational songs. In crowded markets, it's the polite way to navigate through a sea of people.
The 'Bhaiya' Hack
If you're in a crowd, say 'Bhaiya, aage badho' (Brother, move forward). Adding 'Bhaiya' makes the command sound like a request.
Watch the Ending
Never use 'Aage badh' (without the 'o') unless you are very close friends or being intentionally aggressive. It's too blunt!
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'move forward' or 'keep going' in physical or life contexts.
- Use 'Aage Badho' for friends and 'Aage Badhiye' for elders.
- Perfect for motivation, giving directions, or navigating through crowds.
What It Means
आगे बढ़ो is your go-to phrase for progress. It literally means to step forward. It combines आगे (ahead) and बढ़ो (move/grow). It is simple, direct, and very common. You will hear it on busy streets. You will also hear it in deep heart-to-heart talks. It covers physical movement and metaphorical growth. It is like a gentle push toward the future.
How To Use It
Think of it as a command or a suggestion. If you are walking in a crowd, say it to clear a path. If a friend is stuck on a problem, use it to say 'move on.' In Hindi, the verb बढ़ना means to increase or grow. So, you are literally telling someone to 'increase' their distance from the past. It is short and punchy. You do not need complex grammar here. Just drop it at the end of a thought. It works great as a standalone sentence too.
When To Use It
Use it when you are stuck in traffic. Use it when someone is blocking the subway door. It is perfect for motivating a teammate who is doubting themselves. If you are hiking, tell your tired friend आगे बढ़ो to reach the top. It is also great for dismissing small talk. If someone is apologizing too much, say it to mean 'it is okay, let’s move past this.' It shows you are focused on what is next.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your boss or elders. The बढ़ो ending is a bit informal. It sounds like an order. For elders, use आगे बढ़िए to stay respectful. Avoid using it during a solemn or sad moment. It might sound like you are rushing their grief. If someone is telling a long story, do not say it unless you want them to skip to the end. It can be accidentally rude if your tone is too sharp.
Cultural Background
In India, life is often crowded and chaotic. आगे बढ़ो is the unofficial anthem of the streets. It reflects the Indian spirit of 'Chalta Hai' (it goes) and constant hustle. There is a famous saying by Subhash Chandra Bose about moving forward. It is deeply tied to the idea of progress after the colonial era. It is a word of resilience. Even beggars might use it if you don't give change, meaning 'move along.'
Common Variations
If you want to be polite, use आगे बढ़िए. If you are talking to a child, you might say बढ़ते रहो (keep moving). In a professional setting, people say तरक्की करो for 'progress.' If you are feeling poetic, you might hear मंजिल की ओर बढ़ो (move toward your destination). But for daily life, the simple आगे बढ़ो is king. It is the 'just do it' of the Hindi language.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits in the 'neutral' zone. It is safe for peers and younger people. Always switch to 'Badhiye' for anyone you would address as 'Aap' (formal you).
The 'Bhaiya' Hack
If you're in a crowd, say 'Bhaiya, aage badho' (Brother, move forward). Adding 'Bhaiya' makes the command sound like a request.
Watch the Ending
Never use 'Aage badh' (without the 'o') unless you are very close friends or being intentionally aggressive. It's too blunt!
The Beggar's Phrase
In many Indian cities, if you don't want to give money to a beggar, saying 'Aage badho' firmly but calmly is the standard way to say 'please move to the next person'.
Examples
6भैया, थोड़ा आगे बढ़ो।
Brother, move forward a little.
A common way to ask someone to make space.
पुरानी बातें छोड़ो और आगे बढ़ो।
Leave the old things and move forward.
Used here as emotional encouragement.
अब हमें अगले विषय पर आगे बढ़ना चाहिए।
Now we should move forward to the next topic.
Uses the infinitive form for a professional suggestion.
रुको मत, आगे बढ़ो!
Don't stop, move forward!
Short and punchy for digital motivation.
क्या आज ही पहुँचेंगे? आगे बढ़ो यार!
Will we arrive today? Move it, man!
Playful teasing about someone's speed.
हिम्मत मत हारो, बस आगे बढ़ो।
Don't lose heart, just move forward.
Classic motivational usage.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase for a friend.
चिंता मत करो, ___ बढ़ो।
'Aage' means forward, which completes the phrase 'move forward'.
How would you say this respectfully to a teacher?
सर, आप ___ ।
'Badhiye' is the formal/respectful conjugation of the verb.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of 'Move Forward'
Used with close friends or younger people.
आगे बढ़
Standard everyday usage.
आगे बढ़ो
Respectful version for elders or bosses.
आगे बढ़िए
Where to use 'Aage Badho'
Traffic/Crowds
Moving past someone
Motivation
Encouraging a goal
Letting Go
Moving on from the past
Work
Starting a new task
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. In an email, use आगे की योजना (future plan) or प्रगति (progress). आगे बढ़ो sounds too much like a spoken command.
It depends on your tone. If you say it softly in a crowd, it's fine. If you shout it, it's rude. Use आगे बढ़िए to be safe.
Chalo just means 'let's go.' आगे बढ़ो specifically means to advance or make progress from a current spot.
You can say आगे बढ़ते रहो. Adding रहो gives it the continuous 'keep doing' meaning.
Yes, it is the most common way to tell someone to get over an ex. You'd say अब आगे बढ़ो (Now move on).
People often just say Chal aage in a very informal or slightly rude way among friends.
No, it is very often used for career growth or personal development, like ज़िंदगी में आगे बढ़ो (Move forward in life).
The opposite would be पीछे हटो (peeche hato), which means 'move back' or 'get back'.
Yes, you can shout it at a car that isn't moving when the light turns green: गाड़ी आगे बढ़ाओ!
Constantly! It's a staple in 'struggle' or 'victory' montages where the hero decides to change their life.
Related Phrases
चलते रहो
Keep walking/moving
तरक्की करना
To progress/prosper
हिम्मत मत हारो
Don't lose courage
जाने दो
Let it go
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