dikhao

Dikhao is a Hindi verb form that functions as an imperative command meaning “show” or “display.” It originates from the root verb “dikhana” (to show or to make visible), which is derived from the Sanskrit root “dīka.” In modern colloquial Hindi, the imperative form is commonly formed by adding the suffix “‑a” to the root stem, resulting in “dikha” in its base form and “dikhao” when used conjugated for the second person singular in informal contexts. The form “dikhao” is specifically used to address a friend, acquaintance, or someone in an informal setting, whereas the more formal imperative would be “dikhaiye” or “dikhaana.”

The usage of dikhao is widespread in everyday speech across North India, Pakistan, and among Hindi speakers worldwide. It appears in contexts ranging from casual instruction (“dikhao apna lakda” – show me your stick) to audio–visual contexts where someone requests a demonstration (“dikhao kaise kaam karta hai”). In media, the phrase often appears in memes or social media posts to emphasize novelty or to demand visual proof, especially in crowded online conversations about gadgets, fashion, or culinary dishes.

In Hindi grammar, imperative verbs like dikhao are distinct from the regular verb forms that include tense and aspect. An explicit subject is usually omitted, as the form itself conveys the command. For example, the full sentence “Tum dikhao” (you show) is often shortened in conversation to “dikhao.” These imperatives can be extended with additional qualifiers such as “teri” (your) or “mein” (in) to allow more nuanced requests, e.g., “meri photo dikhao.”

The word is also used metaphorically to mean “prove” or “demonstrate,” especially in legal or academic contexts, where a speaker might say “saboot dikhao” (show proof). Because of its frequent use in casual speech, the word has entered popular culture; references to “dikhao” are common in film dialogue and social media posts, often accompanied by accompanying images or videos. The term remains a staple of Hindi linguistic practice and continues to be used across spoken and written forms especially where immediacy or informality is required.