Beginner · First words: sounds, hello and you · topic 4 of 59 · 12 min
Please, thank you, sorry and excuse me
Explanation
In English, politeness (शिष्टाचार) is often shown with small words, not with a special form of "you" like "aap". So "please" and "thank you" matter a lot. Without them, a request can sound rude, even when you do not mean it.
| Word | When to use it | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Please | When you ask for something | Two cups of tea, please. |
| Thank you / Thanks | When someone helps or gives | Thank you for your help. |
| Sorry | When you make a mistake or did not hear | Sorry, I'm late. |
| Excuse me | To get attention or pass someone | Excuse me, where is the bus stop? |
Please sit down.
Say it: PLEEZ sit DOWN
कृपया बैठिए।
A glass of water, please.
Say it: a GLAAS of WAW-ter, PLEEZ
एक गिलास पानी, कृपया।
"Please" can go at the start or the end of a request.
Thank you so much.
Say it: THANK yoo so MUCH
बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद।
For "th", put your tongue lightly between your teeth.
You're welcome.
Say it: yor WEL-kum
कोई बात नहीं / आपका स्वागत है।
The usual reply to "thank you". You can also say "No problem" or "My pleasure".
Sorry, I didn't hear you.
Say it: SOR-ee, ai DID-unt HEER yoo
माफ़ कीजिए, मैंने सुना नहीं।
Sorry, could you say that again?
Say it: SOR-ee, kud yoo SAY that a-GEN?
माफ़ कीजिए, क्या आप फिर से कह सकते हैं?
Much better than "What?" which can sound rude.
That's okay. / No problem.
Say it: thats oh-KAY / no PROB-lem
कोई बात नहीं।
Reply when someone says sorry to you.
Excuse me, is this seat free?
Say it: ek-SKYOOZ mee, iz this SEET free?
माफ़ कीजिए, क्या यह सीट ख़ाली है?
Excuse me, may I come in?
Say it: ek-SKYOOZ mee, may ai kum IN?
माफ़ कीजिए, क्या मैं अंदर आ सकता हूँ?
Watch the lesson
Please, thank you, sorry and excuse me · 1/7
Welcome back! Today you will learn four small words that make you sound polite and friendly: please, thank you, sorry and excuse me.
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In real life: At a tea stall and in a crowded bus
Kiran: Two cups of tea, please. Tea seller: Sugar? Kiran: Less sugar, please. Tea seller: Here you are. Kiran: Thank you! (Later, on a crowded bus) Kiran: Excuse me, could I get past? My stop is next. Passenger: Oh, sorry. Go ahead. Kiran: Thanks a lot.
Practice (0/4 done)
Say this polite request.
Excuse me, could you help me, please?
माफ़ कीजिए, क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं?
Listen and type the sentence.
Write a short dialogue (four to six lines) at a shop or tea stall. Use all four words: please, thank you, sorry and excuse me.
You did not hear the shopkeeper. What do you say?
Quick quiz
Pass the quiz (60% or more) or mark this topic as done when you are ready.
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