Learn 11 Hindi words and phrases that you should know before you travel to India. The post 11 Hindi words to know before you travel to India appeared first on Light Travel Action.
Hindi is one of the many languages spoken in India. It is widely spoken and understood in India especially in the northern parts of the country. Hindi is also the official language of India besides English.
If you are planning to travel to India or it is on your travel bucket list then this blog post is a must for you. Also, learning Hindi numbers can be very helpful while traveling in India. Read this post to learn Hindi numbers the fun way.
Find out the most useful Hindi words that would make your travel easy. Not only would this enrich your travel experience but also help you communicate and understand the local culture better.
1. Namaste
There are many ways to greet people in India but Namaste is widely used and understood in most of the regions in India. Learn more ways to greet people in India.
Though English is understood and spoken by most of the people in India, it is a great idea to get yourself acquainted with a few basic Hindi words and phrases. This will help you communicate better while traveling
2. Haan (Yes)
A simple one-word answer to a lot of things that you may be asked. Are you a foreigner? Do you like traveling in India?
3. Nahi (No)
I’m sure you’d use this word more frequently than Haan.
4. Kitna (How much)
You will need this word to ask for the price of the things you wish to buy, for a fare of the taxi, rickshaw, etc.
5. Dhanyawaad (Thanks)
It never hurts to be a little polite wherever you go. Saying ‘Dhanyawaad’ to everyone who deserves to be thanked goes a long way.
6. Theek hai (Okay/ all good)
A phrase that you will hear a lot around you while you are in India.
7. Kahan (Where)
When you want to find something or the location of a place.
8. Kya (What)
You can use this word to express surprise or ask a question- ‘ Ye Kya Hai?’ (What is this?)
9. Nahi Chahiye (Don’t want)
More often than you’d like, you’d be asked to purchase a lot of stuff if you ever go into markets, street shopping etc.
10. Nahi Pata (Don’t know)
‘Nahi pata’ and ‘Pata nahi’ means the same. You can use this when you don’t know something (it is casually or informally also used to answer someone whom you are not uninterested in continuing a conversation with).
11. Mujhe Hindi nahi aati (I don’t understand Hindi)
You may need to use this phrase if judging by a few words uttered in Hindi by you, someone starts assuming that you know Hindi and starts a conversation. Usually, Indians are friendly and love to chat. Often more than you’d like. So, you need to tell them this.
Want to learn more? Here are some more Hindi phrases for you because you can never know enough!
Aap Kaise hain (How are you)
If you have mastered ‘Namaste’, the next phrase you can learn to initiate a conversation is ‘Aap Kaise hain’ meaning ‘how are you’?
Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain? (Do you speak English)
You’d need to use this phrase when you think you’ve exhausted your limited knowledge of the Hindi language.
Main theek hoon/ Main achha hoon (I’m good)
Often, the same idea or thought can be conveyed in more than one way in Hindi. Both the phrases ‘Main theek hoon/Main achha hoon ‘means ‘I’m good’.
Fir milenge (See you)
Aapse mil kar achha laga (It was nice meeting you)
Mera naam………. Hai ( My name is…………)
Aap ka naam kya hai? (What is your name?)
Aap kaise hain? (How are you)
Kya aap meri madad kar sakte hain (Can you help me)
Mujhe ………… chahiye ( I need …………..)
When you are looking for something or need something you can use the above phrase (insert the word in the blank space) for example- Mujhe Paani Chahiye ( I need water)
One of the interesting and fun ways to learn some Hindi words and phrases is to watch Bollywood movies or songs. Check this blog post for famous Bollywood rain songs and train songs.
Some interesting facts about Hindi
There are over 366 million people in the world who speak Hindi.
Hindi Diwas (Hindi Day) is celebrated on 14th September.
Hindi is a phonetic language which means that it is spoken just the way it is written. This makes it a little easier for someone to learn Hindi reading and writing. Though it can still be difficult for a foreigner to learn Hindi.
Because there are many English words that are used commonly in daily life by Hindi-speaking people, you can use these words to make them easier for you. Some of such words are- bus, train, flight, phone, booking, airport, English, hotel.
Technology is a great help in communication these days. In a few clicks, you can communicate in a language that you don’t know. In case you’re stuck, you can use language apps but it’s great to know a few basic words and phrases to connect better with local people when traveling. So, wait no more and just get started!
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The post 11 Hindi words to know before you travel to India appeared first on Light Travel Action.