देखना टीवी
to watch TV
Literally: To see/watch TV
Use `TV dekhna` for any screen-based viewing in casual or formal home settings.
In 15 Seconds
- Standard way to say 'watching television' in Hindi.
- The verb 'dekhna' conjugates based on gender and tense.
- Used for everything from news to Netflix and cricket.
Meaning
This phrase describes the simple, everyday act of watching television. Whether you're binge-watching a series or catching the news, this is your go-to expression.
Key Examples
3 of 6Answering a friend's call
Main abhi TV dekh raha hoon.
I am watching TV right now.
Asking a roommate to join
Kya tum mere saath TV dekhoge?
Will you watch TV with me?
In a formal meeting about media
Aaj kal log kam TV dekhte hain.
Nowadays, people watch less TV.
Cultural Background
Television in India is a massive cultural glue, especially during cricket World Cups or major festivals. Historically, the national channel 'Doordarshan' was the only window to the world for millions. Today, while streaming is huge, 'watching TV' remains a synonym for family bonding time over dinner.
Word Order Matters
While you said 'Dekhna TV', in standard Hindi, the object comes first. Always try to say 'TV dekhna' for a more natural flow.
Gender Agreement
The verb ending changes! If you're a man, it's 'dekhta'. If you're a woman, it's 'dekhti'. Don't mix them up or you'll sound like a cartoon!
In 15 Seconds
- Standard way to say 'watching television' in Hindi.
- The verb 'dekhna' conjugates based on gender and tense.
- Used for everything from news to Netflix and cricket.
What It Means
TV dekhna is the bread and butter of Hindi leisure talk. It literally translates to 'watching TV.' In Hindi, the verb dekhna covers 'to see,' 'to look,' and 'to watch.' You use it exactly like you would in English. It’s a basic A1-level phrase that every beginner needs. It’s simple, direct, and universally understood across India.
How To Use It
In Hindi, the object usually comes before the verb. So, you’ll mostly say TV dekhna. The verb dekhna changes based on the person and the time. If you are a guy saying 'I am watching TV,' you say Main TV dekh raha hoon. If you are a girl, it’s Main TV dekh rahi hai. Want to ask a friend? Try Kya tum TV dekh rahe ho? It’s that easy. You can also drop the 'I' or 'You' in casual chats. Just saying TV dekh raha hoon works perfectly fine.
When To Use It
Use this when you're relaxing at home. It’s great for answering the 'What are you doing?' text. You can use it at work when discussing your weekend plans. It’s also perfect for asking for the remote. If you're at a friend's house, you might ask, Chalo, TV dekhte hain? (Let's watch TV?). It’s a low-pressure, friendly phrase for any casual setting.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use dekhna if you mean 'to observe' something deeply or 'to stare.' If you’re at a movie theater, you still use dekhna, but you’d say film dekhna. Also, avoid using it if you’re talking about 'watching' a child or 'watching' your bags. For that, you’d use dhyaan rakhna (to take care/keep an eye). Using TV dekhna for a person sounds like you’re just staring at them like a screen. Awkward!
Cultural Background
In India, watching TV is often a communal activity. Entire families—grandparents to kids—gather around for cricket matches. During the 80s and 90s, whole streets would go quiet during epic shows like 'Ramayan.' Even today, the 'TV room' is the heart of many Indian homes. It’s where tea is served and gossip happens. When you say you're watching TV, people might ask, 'What channel?' because it’s a shared social experience.
Common Variations
You’ll often hear TV chalao (Turn on the TV) or TV band karo (Turn off the TV). If someone is glued to the screen, you might say they are TV se chipka hua (stuck to the TV). In modern slang, many young Indians just use the English word 'binge-watch' but mix it with Hindi: Main binge-watch kar raha hoon. However, TV dekhna remains the classic, timeless version everyone knows.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all contexts. Just remember that Hindi is a Subject-Object-Verb language, so 'TV' usually comes before 'dekhna'.
Word Order Matters
While you said 'Dekhna TV', in standard Hindi, the object comes first. Always try to say 'TV dekhna' for a more natural flow.
Gender Agreement
The verb ending changes! If you're a man, it's 'dekhta'. If you're a woman, it's 'dekhti'. Don't mix them up or you'll sound like a cartoon!
The Remote War
In Indian homes, the person who holds the 'remote' is the boss. If you want to watch TV, you might have to negotiate with the 'Remote Control' owner first!
Examples
6Main abhi TV dekh raha hoon.
I am watching TV right now.
A standard present continuous response for a male speaker.
Kya tum mere saath TV dekhoge?
Will you watch TV with me?
A polite way to invite someone to join an activity.
Aaj kal log kam TV dekhte hain.
Nowadays, people watch less TV.
Using the phrase to discuss general trends.
Chalo TV dekhte hain!
Let's watch TV!
Short and punchy for a quick suggestion.
Pura din TV mat dekho!
Don't watch TV all day!
A classic Indian parenting line using the imperative form.
Bachpan mein hum sab saath mein TV dekhte the.
In childhood, we all used to watch TV together.
Using the past habitual tense to show nostalgia.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the verb for 'I (female) am watching TV.'
Main TV ___ hoon.
In Hindi, verbs must agree with the gender of the subject. 'Rahi' is the feminine continuous marker.
How do you say 'Let's watch TV'?
Chalo TV ___ .
'Dekhte hain' is the first-person plural form used for suggestions like 'Let's...'
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'TV dekhna'
Talking to friends or siblings.
TV dekhega?
Standard everyday conversation.
Main TV dekh raha hoon.
Discussing habits in a professional setting.
Main aksar shaam ko TV dekhta hoon.
When to use 'TV dekhna'
Relaxing after work
Finally, thoda TV dekhte hain.
During a family dinner
Khana khate waqt TV mat dekho.
A big cricket match
Sab saath mein TV dekhenge!
Boredom
Kuch nahi hai, chalo TV dekhte hain.
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, dekhna is a versatile verb. It can mean 'to see', 'to look', or 'to watch' depending on the context.
Almost everyone in India says TV. Using the full word Television sounds very formal and a bit outdated.
You would say Maine TV dekha. Note that the subject changes to Maine because it's a transitive verb in the past tense.
Yes! Even if it's a laptop, people often say TV dekhna or show dekhna to mean they are watching content.
The phrase itself is neutral. To make it formal, use the polite aap form: Kya aap TV dekhenge?
Yes, you say film dekhna or movie dekhna. It works exactly the same way.
You would still use dekhna. If you want to be specific about 'glancing', you might say nazar dalna (to cast a glance).
You say TV dekhna band karo. It's a very common command from parents to children.
No, 'watch' (the timepiece) is ghadi. Dekhna is strictly the verb for the action of watching.
Yes, you can say Mujhe TV dekhna pasand hai (I like watching TV) when talking about hobbies.
Not really a slang for the phrase, but people might say TV pe lage rehna (to be stuck on the TV) for someone who watches too much.
In poetry or songs, it might. But in daily life, stick to TV dekhna (Object + Verb).
Related Phrases
TV chalana
Channel badalna
Film dekhna
Remote dhundna
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