Visiting India can be a vibrant and enriching experience, and knowing some basic Hindi phrases can enhance your interaction with locals and help navigate through various situations. Here are some essential Hindi phrases that every tourist should learn.
Namaste – Hello/Goodbye.
नमस्ते, आप कैसे हैं?
This is the most common greeting in India, used both for hello and goodbye. It’s a respectful way to acknowledge someone.
Shukriya – Thank you.
उसने मेरी मदद की, इसलिए मैंने उसे शुक्रिया कहा।
Express gratitude with ‘Shukriya’. It’s polite and appreciated in any context.
Kripya – Please.
कृपया मुझे वह पुस्तक दें।
This word is used to make requests more polite. Adding ‘Kripya’ can make a command sound more like a request.
Haan – Yes.
क्या आप भारतीय हैं? हाँ।
A simple affirmation that can be very useful to confirm any question asked.
Nahi – No.
क्या आपने खाना खाया? नहीं।
Just as important as knowing how to say ‘yes’, ‘Nahi’ allows you to negate or decline something.
Kitna hua? – How much is this?
यह साड़ी बहुत सुंदर है, कितना हुआ?
When shopping, this phrase is crucial to find out the price of items.
Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain? – Do you speak English?
मुझे हिंदी नहीं आती, क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
This is a helpful phrase for English-speaking tourists who may need assistance in English.
Madad – Help.
मुझे मदद की ज़रूरत है, कृपया मेरी मदद करें।
Useful in emergency situations or when you need assistance.
Chalo – Let’s go.
चलो, हम यहाँ से चलते हैं।
This phrase can be used to suggest leaving a place or starting an activity.
Kahan hai…? – Where is…?
बाथरूम कहाँ है?
Essential for finding places, whether you’re looking for the bathroom or the train station.
Mujhe yeh pasand hai – I like this.
मुझे यह खाना बहुत पसंद है।
Express your liking, particularly useful while shopping or dining.
Mujhe samajh nahi aaya – I didn’t understand.
आपने जो कहा, मुझे समझ नहीं आया।
If you don’t understand something, this phrase is polite and can prompt further explanation.
Aapka naam kya hai? – What is your name?
आपका नाम क्या है? मेरा नाम सीमा है।
A basic question that can help start a conversation with locals.
Mera naam… – My name is…
मेरा नाम जॉन है।
Respond to the above question or introduce yourself.
Main theek hoon – I am fine.
धन्यवाद, मैं ठीक हूँ।
A common response to the question, ‘How are you?’
Kripya dhire bolie – Please speak slowly.
कृपया धीरे बोलिए, मुझे समझ नहीं आ रहा।
If someone is speaking too quickly, this phrase can be very helpful.
Aap se milkar khushi hui – Nice to meet you.
आप से मिलकर खुशी हुई।
A polite phrase to use after meeting someone.
Kya yahan wifi hai? – Is there wifi here?
क्या यहाँ वाईफाई है? मुझे इंटरनेट चाहिए।
In today’s connected world, knowing how to ask for wifi is quite useful.
Knowing these essential Hindi phrases will not only help you in communicating during your travels in India but also enrich your experience by connecting with locals on a more personal level. Enjoy your travels and the beauty of the Hindi language!
