टिकट खरीदना

You use this phrase by conjugating the verb खरीदना. If you are doing the buying right now, you say मैं टिकट खरीद रहा हूँ (I am buying a ticket). If you already bought it, you say मैंने टिकट खरीदी. A quick grammar tip: टिकट is usually treated as a feminine noun in Hindi. This means your verbs and adjectives will often take the feminine form. For example, you say एक टिकट (one ticket) and the verb becomes खरीदी (bought - feminine) instead of खरीदा. It sounds more natural when you match the gender correctly!

Use this phrase whenever money is changing hands for a ticket. You’ll use it at the रेलवे स्टेशन (railway station), the बस अड्डा (bus stand), or the सिनेमा हॉल (cinema hall). It’s perfect for professional settings too. If you are booking travel for a boss, you would use this phrase. It’s also the go-to for texting friends. If you're at the counter and your friend calls, just say, "Wait, मैं टिकट खरीद रहा हूँ."

Don't use खरीदना if the ticket is free. If you are just "getting" a pass or an invitation, use the verb लेना (to take/get) instead. Also, for digital subscriptions like Netflix, Indians usually say सब्सक्रिप्शन लेना rather than टिकट खरीदना. If you are "booking" a seat in advance without paying yet, you might prefer बुकिंग करना. Using खरीदना implies the transaction is happening or has happened.

Buying a ticket in India used to be an Olympic sport. Before apps, it involved standing in long, winding queues at a खिड़की (window). You’d often have to navigate a sea of people and loud noises. Today, most people buy tickets on their phones using UPI. However, the phrase टिकट खरीदना still carries that sense of "securing your spot." In the context of Indian Railways, buying a ticket is a major life event for holiday seasons like Diwali. People plan months in advance just to टिकट खरीदना before they sell out!

The most common variation is टिकट लेना (to take/get a ticket). It’s a bit more casual. You might also hear टिकट बुक करना (to book a ticket), especially for flights or movies. In very formal Hindi, you might see आरक्षण करना (to reserve), but nobody says that at a bus stop. Stick to टिकट खरीदना for general use, and you will sound like a pro. Just remember: if you're in a rush, just say "Ticket please!"—most people will understand that too!