Many Hindi words have seamlessly integrated into the English language, often without us realizing their origin. These words reflect the vibrant culture and history of India and have become commonplace in English conversations. Here we explore some common Hindi words used in English, their meanings, and how they are used.
Avatar
In traditional Hinduism, an avatar refers to the incarnation of a deity, particularly Vishnu. In English, it has been adopted to mean an embodiment or manifestation, and is popularly used in digital contexts to refer to a person’s online character or persona.
राम विष्णु के दशावतारों में से एक हैं। (Ram is one of the avatars of Vishnu.)
Bungalow
Derived from the Hindi word “bangla,” meaning a house in the Bengal style, this term is used in English to describe a single-story house.
मेरे दादा-दादी एक बड़े बंगले में रहते हैं। (My grandparents live in a large bungalow.)
Cheetah
This word comes from the Hindi word “चीता” (cheetah), which means a spotted big cat known for its speed. It is used in English to refer to the fastest land animal.
चीता जंगल का सबसे तेज़ जानवर है। (The cheetah is the fastest animal in the jungle.)
Curry
From the Hindi word “कड़ी” (kadhi), curry refers to a variety of dishes in Indian cuisine, typically containing a mixture of spices and flavors. In English, it is used to describe any dish with a sauce seasoned with spices, particularly from South Asian cuisine.
मेरी माँ स्वादिष्ट कड़ी पकाती हैं। (My mother cooks delicious curry.)
Guru
Originally meaning a spiritual teacher or leader in Hindu and Sikh traditions, “guru” in English has broadened to mean an expert or leader in a particular field.
वह गणित के गुरु हैं। (He is a guru in mathematics.)
Jungle
Taken from the Hindi word “जंगल” (jangal), meaning a wild, undeveloped land or forest, this term has been adopted in English to refer specifically to a dense tropical forest.
जंगल में बहुत सारे जानवर रहते हैं। (Many animals live in the jungle.)
Karma
In Hinduism and Buddhism, karma refers to the sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences. In English, it is often simplified to mean the results of a person’s actions as determining their future fate.
कर्म ही धर्म है। (Karma is the ultimate duty.)
Mantra
A mantra is traditionally a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation in Hinduism and Buddhism. In English, it has come to mean a frequently repeated word or phrase, especially in advocacy or for motivation.
उसने अपना मंत्र दोहराया। (He repeated his mantra.)
Namaste
A respectful greeting in Hindi meaning “I bow to you,” used particularly in India. In English, it is widely recognized and used in yoga and spiritual contexts.
नमस्ते, आप कैसे हैं? (Namaste, how are you?)
Pajamas
Coming from the Hindi word “पजामा” (pajama), which means leg clothing, pajamas refer to loose trousers tied at the waist, worn by both sexes in India. In English, the term has been adopted for comfortable clothing worn while sleeping or lounging.
रात में पजामा पहनना आरामदायक होता है। (Wearing pajamas at night is comfortable.)
Shampoo
Originating from the Hindi word “चाँपो” (champo), which means to press or massage, shampoo in English refers to a hair cleansing product. Its use has expanded to include any similar product used for cleaning and often involves massaging the scalp.
क्या तुमने अपने बाल शैम्पू से धोए? (Did you wash your hair with shampoo?)
Thug
“Thug” originates from the Hindi word “ठग” (thag), which refers to a swindler or deceiver. In English, it has taken on a slightly harsher meaning, often used to describe a criminal or a violent person.
ठग ने बाज़ार में चोरी की। (The thug committed theft in the market.)
Yoga
Yoga, from the Sanskrit root “yuj” meaning to unite, refers to a series of postures and breathing exercises practiced to achieve control of the body and mind, tranquility, and spiritual insight. In English, yoga is widely practiced as a physical, mental, and spiritual exercise.
योग से शांति मिलती है। (Yoga brings peace.)
The integration of Hindi words into English not only enriches the language but also brings cultural understanding and appreciation across borders. By familiarizing ourselves with these words, we embrace a part of India’s rich linguistic heritage.
