please
The word "kripaya" (कृपया) is the standard, polite way to request something in Hindi. It functions just like the English "please," signaling respect and courtesy toward the listener. It is most commonly used at the very beginning of a sentence to soften a request or an instruction. While "kripaya" is universally understood, it is quite formal and often sounds a bit stiff in casual, everyday conversation between close friends. In informal settings, native speakers often omit the word entirely, relying instead on polite verb endings or the word "zara" (just a little) to convey a request.
In conversation
At a restaurant
कृपया मुझे पानी का एक गिलास दीजिए।
Please give me a glass of water.
जी, अभी लाता हूँ।
Yes, I will bring it right away.
Using 'kripaya' makes the request sound professional and polite in a service setting.
Asking for a favor
कृपया मेरी मदद करें।
Please help me.
हाँ, बताइए मैं क्या कर सकता हूँ?
Yes, tell me, what can I do?
This is a direct and polite way to ask for assistance.
Examples
कृपया यहाँ बैठिए।
Please sit here.
कृपया मुझे अपना नाम बताइए।
Please tell me your name.
कृपया क्या आप खिड़की बंद कर सकते हैं?
Could you please close the window?
