Polite English — Please, Sorry, Excuse me, Could you…?, Would you…? (with Simple Hindi Meanings)
Who is this for?
- Absolute beginners to lower‑intermediate learners
- Indian learners who want polite, clear English for daily use
- Goal: Make requests, say sorry, interrupt, and thank politely
Quick Rules for Polite English
- Add “please” to requests: Could you open the window, please?
- Use “sorry” for mistakes; “excuse me” to interrupt or pass by
- Could you…? (polite request, more common) | Would you…? (willingness)
- Softening words: just, a bit, maybe, if possible make the tone gentler
Core Phrases with Meanings and Models
Table: Please
| Use | English | Easy Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Add to request | Please sit here. | Kripya yahan baithiye. |
| After request | Can I have some water, please? | Kripya thoda paani mil sakta hai? |
| Offers | Please come in. | Kripya andar aaiye. |
Table: Sorry vs Excuse me
| Situation | English | Easy Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Apology (mistake) | I’m sorry I’m late. | Maaf kijiye, main late ho gaya/gyi. |
| Small apology | Sorry, my bad. | Sorry, meri galti. |
| Interrupting | Excuse me, may I ask something? | Maaf kijiye, kya main kuch puch sakta/sakti hoon? |
| Getting past | Excuse me, please. | Zara rasta dijiyega. |
| Can’t hear | Excuse me? Could you repeat that? | Maaf kijiye? Kya aap dohra sakte hain? |
Table: Could you…? (polite request)
| Type | English | Easy Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Simple task | Could you open the door, please? | Kya aap darwaza khol sakte hain? |
| Info | Could you tell me the time? | Kya aap mujhe time bata sakte hain? |
| Repeat | Could you speak a bit slower? | Kya aap thoda dheere bol sakte hain? |
| Help | Could you help me with this form? | Kya aap is form me madad kar sakte hain? |
Table: Would you…? (offer/willingness/formal)
| Type | English | Easy Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Offer | Would you like some tea? | Kya aap chai lena pasand karenge? |
| Preference | Would you prefer coffee or tea? | Aap coffee ya chai pasand karenge? |
| Formal request | Would you please sign here? | Kripya yahan sign kar denge? |
Table: Polite Add‑ons
| Phrase | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| if possible | Softens request | Could you send it today, if possible? |
| when you have a moment | Respect time | Please call me when you have a moment. |
| I’d appreciate it | Shows gratitude | I’d appreciate your help. |
| Thanks in advance | Pre‑thanks | Thanks in advance for your support. |
Short Model Dialogues (Natural + Polite)
Dialogue 1: At the office
- A: Excuse me, could you share the file, please?
- B: Sure. I’ll send it in 10 minutes.
- A: Thank you! I appreciate it. (Hindi gist: Maaf kijiye, file bhej dijiye? — Zaroor, 10 minute me. — Dhanyavaad.)
Dialogue 2: In a shop
- A: Could you show me a smaller size?
- B: Of course. Would you like this one?
- A: Yes, please. Thanks! (Hindi gist: Chhota size dikhaiye — Zaroor. Ye wala? — Haan, dhanyavaad.)
Dialogue 3: Apologizing
- A: I’m sorry for the delay.
- B: No problem. Please send it by 5 p.m.
- A: Sure, I will. Thanks for your patience. (Hindi gist: Der ke liye maafi — Koi baat nahi, 5 baje tak bhej dijiye — Theek hai.)
Polite Email/Message Lines
Table: Openers and Closers
| Purpose | English Line | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Hope you are doing well. | Neutral, polite |
| Request | Could you please share the report by 4 p.m.? | Clear deadline |
| Follow‑up | Just a gentle reminder about the meeting. | Soft tone |
| Thanks | Thank you for your help. | Always add |
| Close | Please let me know if you need anything else. | Helpful tone |
Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes
Table: Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Wrong | Right |
|---|---|---|
| Missing softener | Send me the file. | Could you send me the file, please? |
| Over‑apology | Sorry sorry sorry! | I’m sorry about that. |
| Using “please” mid‑sentence only | Can you please open? | Could you open the window, please? |
| Confusing sorry/excuse me | Sorry, can I pass? | Excuse me, can I pass? |
20 Ready‑to‑Use Polite Sentences
Table: Practice Lines
| # | English | Hindi (easy) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Please have a seat. | Kripya baithiye. |
| 2 | Could you wait a moment, please? | Kripya ek minute rukiyega. |
| 3 | I’m sorry for the confusion. | Uljhan ke liye maaf kijiye. |
| 4 | Excuse me, is this seat taken? | Maaf kijiye, kya ye seat kisi ki hai? |
| 5 | Would you like some water? | Kya aapko paani chahiye? |
| 6 | Could you guide me to the metro? | Kya aap mujhe metro ka rasta bata sakte hain? |
| 7 | Please speak a little slower. | Kripya thoda dheere boliye. |
| 8 | Thanks a lot for your help. | Aapki madad ke liye bahut dhanyavaad. |
| 9 | I’d really appreciate your feedback. | Aapki salaah ki sach‑me sarahna hogi. |
| 10 | Sorry, I didn’t catch that. | Maaf kijiye, meri samajh me nahi aaya. |
| 11 | Excuse me, may I come in? | Maaf kijiye, kya main andar aa sakta/sakti hoon? |
| 12 | Could you repeat that, please? | Kripya ise dobara kahiye. |
| 13 | Would you mind opening the window? | Kya aap khidki khol denge? |
| 14 | Please let me know. | Kripya mujhe batayiye. |
| 15 | I’m sorry, that was my mistake. | Maaf kijiye, vo meri galti thi. |
| 16 | No worries, take your time. | Koi baat nahi, aaram se. |
| 17 | Thanks for waiting. | Intezaar ke liye dhanyavaad. |
| 18 | That’s very kind of you. | Ye aapki badi meherbani hai. |
| 19 | If possible, by tomorrow morning. | Agar ho sake to kal subah tak. |
| 20 | Have a great day! | Aapka din shubh ho! |
Mini Pronunciation Tips
- Please: stretch the long ee sound: pleez
- Sorry: open short o: sor‑ee (Indian “saw‑ree” is okay)
- Could/Would: short “u” like in “book”: kud/wood
- Excuse: stress on second part: eks‑KYOOZ
3‑Minute Drill
- Read the “Could you…?” table aloud (1 min)
- Make 3 requests + 3 apologies from your day (1 min)
- Record one short dialogue using “excuse me” + “please” (1 min)
Bonus: Polite Ladder (from direct to soft)
- Direct: Send the file.
- Polite: Please send the file.
- Softer: Could you please send the file?
- Soft + time: Could you please send the file by 5 p.m.?
- Soft + appreciation: Could you please send the file by 5 p.m.? I’d appreciate it.
