If you want to impress an Indian, it’s a good idea to have some basic Hindi phrases in your arsenal. The first word that you should know is namaste, which is said with a hand gesture. A casual goodbye is Alvida, and a more formal farewell is vital.
It would be best if you also used ye or ve vo when referring to people close by and yeh yeh or vh vh for people further away.
1. Namaste
Namaste is a greeting that originated in India and is used to show respect between people of different cultures and religions. It means “I bow to you” and is often accompanied by a slight bow or a handclasp. It is also a familiar gesture of goodbye.
The word itself comes from two Sanskrit words: namah, meaning to bow, and te, which means you. It is usually expressed by joining your hands together and turning with a little smile on your face.
While this greeting has gained popularity in the Western world, it is still essential to Indians. It is a sign of respect and reverence for everyone that you meet, and it is a reminder to stay humble.
You will see this greeting used a lot in yoga classes, where it is the way that the teacher greets each student at the beginning of class and at the end of class to say goodbye. It is a beautiful way to honor the spiritual connection between teachers and students. In a more practical sense, it is a healthy way to avoid touching each other, which can transfer negative energy in the form of germs and illness.
2. Alvida
In Indian culture, there are several ways to say goodbye. When saying goodbye in a formal setting, it is customary to use phrases such as ‘Alvida’ or ‘May God be with you’ to show respect and convey well-wishing. These expressions also symbolize the close relationships among people in India and are a great way to leave a positive impression on others.
In informal settings, it is more common to use casual goodbye phrases such as ‘chal ji’ or ‘bye.’ These expressions are simple and easy to understand, and they portray a friendly and conversational tone.
If you are unsure of what to say when bidding someone farewell, it is always safe to use the traditional Hindi greeting ’Namaste.’ This means ‘I bow to you’ and is a great way to show respect in any situation. You can also use the word ‘Dhanyavaad,’ which is a polite way to thank someone. This is particularly important in formal settings or when speaking with elders. You can also use the informal ‘ shukriyaa,’ which is a great way to say thanks to friends and family members.
3. Shubh Prabhat
Shubh prabhat is a casual way to say ‘well’ in Hindi. It is often used to show that you are happy or to thank someone for a gift. It’s also a great way to ask how someone is doing.
You can use this in any situation where you’re asking how someone is doing. However, it’s not the best response if you are discussing a personal or family matter. In that case, you should use a more formal response such as “hmaare ghar ki baat”, or “parivaar ka maamla”.
You should also avoid using this when congratulating someone on a new job or promotion. This can come across as too eager or excited. Instead, you should use a more sincere response such as “yee kaa raj hai” or “yee tum ko bhi Cheech night hai.” This shows that you are genuinely happy for the person. Moreover, it will make them feel special and appreciated. And that’s what you want, right?!
4. Padhariye
Knowing the basics, like greetings and polite phrases, is an excellent start to learning a new language. And while translation software is getting better and better, it’s still not the same as being able to speak a language yourself!
Often, it’s not just the words that are important but the meaning behind them. It’s hard to convey meaning in an entirely different way and even harder to understand the nuances that can come with varying registers of speech (formal vs informal or casual vs intimate).
So, having a few simple Hindi phrases can make a big difference in your interactions with people. To help you out, we’ve put together this list of some useful phrases that can be used for greetings, asking how someone is, and saying sorry!
Ready to learn more? Get started with our free trial of Rocket Record, where you can practice your pronunciation with native speakers and have your recording played back to see how you sound! It’s easy to use and works with any device so that you can take lessons on the go.
5. Swagat
Swagat is a casual way to say how you are. It’s pronounced like “shook-uh-ree-ah.” Try to get the sound right, or it may sound a bit off.
It’s also a great phrase to use when speaking with friends and family. The order of the words changes slightly depending on who you’re talking to, but not enough that it should be challenging to remember.
It’s essential to know how to thank people in Hindi. “Dhnyavaad” (dhun-yuh-vaahd) is the most formal way to do this in any setting and with elders, but “Hurriyat” (shook-ree-ah) is more casual and can be used with friends and family. It’s also a good idea to keep some other Hindi phrases in your vocabulary, such as formal and informal ways to ask how you are. This will help you get through many conversations in India. You can even use them to impress your friends! Just be sure to practice them before you travel. You’ll be surprised how much faster your Hindi will improve with just a little effort! Good luck!
