Following a recipe

Following a Recipe — Imperatives & Sequencing

The imperative (commands) in Hindi has three levels of formality:

• Informal (तू): verb stem alone → काट, डाल, मिला
• Neutral (तुम): verb stem + ो → काटो, डालो, मिलाओ
• Formal (आप): verb stem + इए → काटिए, डालिए, मिलाइए

In recipes, the neutral (तुम) or formal (आप) forms are most common.

Sequencing words to describe steps in order:

• पहले — first
• फिर — then / next
• उसके बाद — after that
• अंत में — finally / at the end
• जब तक — until

Example recipe steps:

• पहले प्याज़ काटो। — First, chop the onion.
• फिर तेल गरम करो। — Then heat the oil.
• उसके बाद मसाले डालो। — After that, add the spices.
• अंत में चावल परोसो। — Finally, serve the rice.

Quantities in recipes:

• एक चम्मच — one teaspoon
• आधा कप — half a cup
• थोड़ा सा — a little bit
• ज़रूरत के हिसाब से — as needed / to taste