Understanding Hindi Imperatives: khao vs kha lo vs kha liya karo
Hindi, like many languages, has subtle variations in imperative (command) forms that change meaning based on tone, urgency, and habituality. Three common yet distinct phrases—खाओ, खा लो, and खा लिया करो—demonstrate this beautifully.
In this blog, we’ll break down their differences, usage, and cultural nuances to help learners and enthusiasts master these everyday Hindi expressions.
1.खाओ -Khao– The Simple Command
- Meaning: “Eat.” (Direct, neutral)
Structure: [Base verb] + [object] + [!]
- खा (root verb) + ओ (imperative ending).
- Grammar Tip:
Base verb (eat) + exclamation = strong order.
- Example :- Eat this.
Usage:
- A straightforward command, often used in formal or authoritative contexts.
- Can sound harsh if used casually (like a parent scolding a child).
Examples:
- “खाओ, वरना भूखे रह जाओगे!” → “Eat, or you’ll stay hungry!”
- “सब खाओ, फालतू बातें मत करो।” → “Eat up, don’t talk nonsense.”
When to Use?
✔ With children or in strict instructions.
✔ When giving a direct order without extra politeness.
Grammar Note:
No subject needed (implied “you”). Sounds rude if used with stranger
2.खा लो – Kha lo– The Gentle Urge
Meaning: “Go ahead and eat.” / “Have some.”
Structure:
- खा + लो (softening particle, implying completion).
- Grammar Tip:
“Have” = खाने का polite तरीका
- Polite verb+object
- Example:- Have some,Bittu.
Usage:
- More encouraging than खाओ—suggests urgency or persuasion.
- Often used when offering food or coaxing someone to eat.
Examples:
- “थोड़ा सा खा लो, मना मत करो!” → “Have a little, don’t refuse!”
- “यह मिठाई खा लो, बहुत स्वादिष्ट है!” → “Try this sweet, it’s delicious!”
When to Use?
✔ When offering food politely.
✔ To persuade someone (e.g., a hesitant guest).
3.खा लिया करो kha liya karo– The Habitual Reminder
Meaning: “Do eat (regularly).” / “Make it a habit to eat.“
Structure:
- खा + लिया (perfective) + करो (habitual imperative).
- Do+base verb+object.
- Example:- Do eat food on time
Usage:
- A polite but persistent suggestion for repeated action.
- Used when someone often neglects something (like skipping meals).
Examples:
- “समय पर खा लिया करो, वरना पेट खराब होगा!” → “Do eat on time, or you’ll get stomach issues!”
- “इतना कम मत खाया करो, थोड़ा और खा लिया करो।” → “Don’t eat so little, have a bit more regularly.”
When to Use?
✔ Advising someone about habits (health, routine).
✔ Mildly scolding with concern (e.g., parents to teens).
Quick Comparison Table
Phrase | Tone | When to Use? | Example |
खाओ | Direct, neutral | Strict commands | “खाओ, नहीं तो मार पड़ेगी!” |
खा लो | Gentle, urging | Offering/persuading | “एक बिस्कुट खा लो!” |
खा लिया करो | Polite, habitual | Reminding for repetition | “सुबह नाश्ता खा लिया करो!” |
Cultural Nuances
- खाओ – Khao- can sound rude if overused with peers—better for kids or strict situations.
- खा लो-kha lo- is the safest for daily conversations (like offering tea/snacks).
- खा लिया करो- kha liya karo- carries care and concern, often used by elders.
Final Tips for Learners
- For strictness → खाओ – Khao
- For politeness → खा लो – Kha lo
- For habits → खा लिया करो – Kha liya karo
Next time you’re at an Indian dinner table, try these variations and observe the reactions!
Quiz Time!
Which phrase would you use in these situations?
- Your friend refuses dessert. → ?
- Your child isn’t eating veggies. → ?
- Your sibling skips breakfast daily. → ?
(Answers: 1. खा लो,(Have some) 2. खाओ,(eat) 3. खा लिया करो(Do eat) .
Exercise 1: Match the Columns
Match Hindi phrases to their English equivalents:
Hindi | English Options |
1. खाओ! Khao | a) Have some sweets! |
2. खा लो! Kha lo | b) Eat your vegetables! |
3. खा लिया करो! Kha liya karo | c) You should eat breakfast daily. |
Answer Key:
1 → b, 2 → a, 3 → c
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the English translations:
1.”दूध पी लो!” → “_____ some milk!”
2.”रोटी खाओ!” → “_____ your roti!”
3.”फल खाया करो!” → “_____ eat fruits!”
Answer Key:
- Have, 2. Eat, 3. You should
Exercise 3: Role-Play Scenarios
How would you say this in English?
- Your friend refuses ice cream. You insist:
Hindi: “ज़रा सा खा लो!” → English: _____
- Your child won’t eat dinner. Strict command:
Hindi: “खाना खाओ!” → English: _____
Answer Key:
1.”Just have a little!”
2.”Eat your dinner!”
Exercise 4: Correct the Mistakes
Fix these incorrect translations:
- “खा लो!” → “Eat some!” (Too harsh)
Correction: _____
- “You should eat!” → “खाओ!” (Wrong tone)
Correction: _____
Answer Key:
- “Have some!”
- “खा लिया करो!”
Exercise 5: Real-Life Dialogue
Translate this conversation:
Mom: “समय पर खाना खा लिया करो!”
Son: “ठीक है, अभी खा लो!”
English Version:
Mom: ““
Son: “”
Answer Key:
Mom: “Make sure to eat on time!”
Son: “Okay, I’ll eat now!”
Bonus: Create Your Own Sentences
Write English versions for:
- “चाय पी लो!” → _____
- “सब्ज़ी खाओ!” → _____
Sample Answers:
- “Have some tea!”
- “Eat your vegetables!”
Click here to read the previous blog:-Number in English Grammar: Singular and Plural Explained in Hindi .
To watch the web story click here:-Khao, Kha lo, Kha liya karo
