How to say "Thoda time lagega / Deri hogi" professionally
Stop translating directly from Hindi. Use these corporate-ready phrases instead.
Professional Version
"I anticipate a slight delay in delivery due to unforeseen technical challenges."
Compare the Tones
Choose Your Tone
"I anticipate a slight delay in delivery due to unforeseen technical challenges."
Why this works better
'Time lagega' is vague. 'Anticipate a slight delay' sounds professional and planned.
When to Use This Phrase
In Indian corporate culture, direct translations from Hindi often sound either too casual or unintentionally rude. The phrase "Thoda time lagega / Deri hogi" is commonly used in informal conversations, but in professional settings—especially emails, meetings, and formal communications—it needs to be rephrased for clarity and professionalism.
Best Situations for This Phrase:
- Formal Emails: When communicating with managers, HR, clients, or cross-functional teams
- Video Calls & Meetings: During standup meetings, presentations, or client discussions
- Slack/Teams Chat: Quick professional updates without sounding too stiff
- Documentation: Project updates, status reports, or official communication
Example Scenarios:
❌ What NOT to say:
"Thoda time lagega / Deri hogi"
✅ What TO say (Formal):
"I anticipate a slight delay in delivery due to unforeseen technical challenges."
✅ What TO say (Casual):
"Running a bit behind on this. Will need an extra hour."
Why Indian Professionals Struggle Here
Many Indian professionals grew up speaking Hindi, regional languages, or Hinglish at home. When they enter corporate environments, they often translate directly from their mother tongue, leading to phrases that sound awkward or unprofessional in English.
This specific phrase belongs to the Deadlines category, which is particularly important for career growth. Using the right tone here can make the difference between sounding confident vs. hesitant, or professional vs. casual.
Tips for Using This Professionally
- Match your audience: Use the formal version for external stakeholders, the casual version for team chats
- Tone matters: Even the right words can sound wrong if your tone is off—practice with our AI coach
- Context is key: Consider urgency, relationship, and medium (email vs call) before choosing your phrase
- Practice makes perfect: The more you use professional phrases, the more natural they'll feel
💡 Pro Tip:
Don't just memorize these phrases—understand the underlying principle. Professional English isn't about sounding fancy; it's about being clear, respectful, and direct. Practice with real scenarios to build confidence.