English · What to say back
How to reply to a request for a favor in English
A favor request can be accepted, limited, declined, or clarified. A clear answer is more useful than an uncertain promise.
Madad kar sakte hain ya nahi, saaf batayein. Haan kehne se pehle task aur time samajh lein.
Choose a reply that fits
Reply 1
Of course.
ज़रूर।
zaroor.
Accept when you can help.
Reply 2
I can help after work.
मैं काम के बाद मदद कर सकता / सकती हूँ।
main kaam ke baad madad kar sakta / sakti hoon.
Offer a specific later time.
Reply 3
I'm sorry, I can't today.
माफ़ कीजिए, आज मैं नहीं कर सकता / सकती।
maaf kijiye, aaj main nahi kar sakta / sakti.
Decline clearly and politely.
Reply 4
Could you explain what you need?
क्या आप बता सकते हैं कि आपको क्या चाहिए?
kya aap bata sakte hain ki aapko kya chahiye?
Clarify the task before agreeing.
What to watch for
Listen to the whole message before choosing a reply. Accept when you can help. Decline clearly and politely.
See it in a short conversation
A practical request
Partner
Could you help me with this?
Show Hindi meaning
क्या आप इसमें मेरी मदद कर सकते हैं?
kya aap ismein meri madad kar sakte hain?
You
Of course.
Show Hindi meaning
ज़रूर।
zaroor.
Someone asking for a favor
Partner
Could you do me a favor?
Show Hindi meaning
क्या आप मेरा एक काम कर सकते हैं?
kya aap mera ek kaam kar sakte hain?
You
I can help after work.
Show Hindi meaning
मैं काम के बाद मदद कर सकता / सकती हूँ।
main kaam ke baad madad kar sakta / sakti hoon.
Your turn
Decline a request you cannot take on today.
Reveal sample reply
I'm sorry, I can't today.
माफ़ कीजिए, आज मैं नहीं कर सकता / सकती।
maaf kijiye, aaj main nahi kar sakta / sakti.
