Hindi is the national language of India that is spoken at the standard language in almost every corner of India. With 22 recognized religious languages and more than 330 different languages spoken in India, Hindi is chosen as the standard of communication.
Therefore, if you are planning on visiting India this fall, learning a bit of Hindi could make your visit more memorable and cheerful. A bit of familiarizing words will not make you feel left out in this country of contrast. Here is the list of top ten useful words and phrases that you should know before visiting India. It is not that tough and won’t take much time.
1. Namaste
Namaste is the common salutation of greeting people in India. Pronounce it as Na-mas-tey with a slight bow made with both hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards in front of the chest.
Well after you may start a bit of conversation with, “Mera naam George, Aapka naam kya hai?” meaning “My name is George, What is your name?
2. Theek hai
Theek hai in English will mean “Okay”. On a different note, it is another way to say “you are all right” and your visit is going on good.
3. Alvida…Phir Milenge
Alvida…Phir Milenge translated in English is Goodbye….See you. Pronounce it as Al-ve-da….Fir Me-len-gay. It means you will have to leave now but will catch up later. The word Alvida is primarily an Urdu word.
4. Krupya
Krupya translated in English is “Please”. It is a polite gesture put to question someone. It can also be used as an alternative to “Excuse me” at times.
5. Aap Kaise ho and Bahut Accha
Aap Kaise ho means “How are you” and on the other hand Bahut Accha is the reply to the former meaning “I am fine”. It is a common way to greet people and a good conversation starter in India.
6. Suprabhat and Shubhratri
Suprabat means “Good Morning” and Shubratri is “Good Night”. Though many people in urban India prefer saying good morning and good night today, but if you want to impress someone then use Suprabhat and Shubratri for the great Indian touch.
7. Shukriya or Dhanyawad
Shukriya in English is “Thank you”. It is way of showing respect, thankfulness or appreciating a favor like the way Thank you does. The correct pronunciation goes as Shook-ri-ya and Dhann-ya-Wad.
8. Kitna Hua
Kitna Hua means “How much” in English. Use it any time you visit a market in India. You could couple it up with “Kuch discount hai” to get a good bargain.
9. Maaf Kijeye
Maaf Kijeye means “Sorry” in English. Whenever you are in India and you accidently hit or step on someone, use the word and get out of the trouble politely. Maaf kijeye could well also be used when beggars approach you and refuse to leave making you feel bad.
10. Aapka Swagat hai
Aapka Swagat hai is “You are Welcome”. And if you here someone saying “Aapka India mein Swagat hai”, he/she is meaning, “You are Welcome to India”.
Akshay Agarwal
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