I am busy, so I will call you later. What is the meaning of “later” in Hindi?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct Hindi meaning of “later” in the sentence “I am busy, so I will call you later” is “बाद में” (baad mein).
Explanation:
In English, the word “later” functions as an adverb of time. It is used to indicate that an action will occur after a particular point in time. In the sentence provided, the speaker is currently occupied and is promising to make a phone call after some time has passed. This context gives “later” the sense of a postponed or delayed action.
In Hindi, the equivalent expression for this delayed timing is “बाद में.” The word “बाद” translates to “after” and “में” is a postposition that corresponds to the preposition “in” or “at” in English, used here to complete the phrase meaning “in the time after” or “at a later time.”
The phrase “बाद में” is commonly used in both spoken and written Hindi to denote future action. It can be used in everyday conversations. For example:
- “मैं अभी व्यस्त हूँ, बाद में बात करेंगे।”
(I am busy now, we will talk later.) - “तुम बाद में आ जाना।”
(You come later.)
This phrase is flexible and can be adjusted slightly depending on the sentence structure. It always carries the implication of something occurring after the present or after a stated time.
It is important to distinguish “बाद में” from similar phrases like “फिर” which can also mean “then” or “again,” but “बाद में” is more specific and appropriate when emphasizing the idea of “later” as in a delayed action due to current unavailability.
Understanding the correct contextual translation of time-related words ensures clear and polite communication in both English and Hindi.