Planning a Trip to India? Learn these local phrases.


If you’re traveling to India, then you must know these Indian phrases, which will be very useful to you. Though Indians understand Hindi well, these Hindi phrases will make them smile. Here are the top 11 phrases that you must know before visiting India.

Hindi Phrase: Namaste – English Translation: Hello

Say “Namaste” when greeting someone in India. This is how people in India say hello. It’s the best way to interact with the local people of India. Also, don’t forget to fold your hands and bow your head slightly, especially when greeting elders, as it shows respect to them.

Hindi Phrase: Dhanyavaad – English Translation: Thank You

This is how Indian people thank someone for their service or company. Just look directly into the person’s eyes with happiness and say “Dhanyavaad”.

Hindi Phrase: Kaise Ho? – English Translation: How are you?

When you want to inquire about an Indian person’s well-being, simply ask them ‘Kaise Ho?’ It’s a friendly and common way to check in on their life.

Hindi Phrase: Main theek hoon – English Translation: I’m fine

When someone asks you “Kaise Ho”, you respond to him/her by saying “Main theek hoon”.

Hindi Phrase: Bahut accha hai – English Translation: It’s very good

When someone asks you about their hospitality or food, just tell them “Bahut accha hai”. This will make them super happy.

Hindi Phrase: Alvida – English Translation: Goodbye

Before leaving any place, make sure you say “Alvida”. This may leave a lasting memory in people’s minds.

Hindi Phrase: Yeh kitna hai? – English Translation: How much is it?

When you want to buy something, you can ask the shopkeeper or salesman “Yeh kitna hai?” to know the price of something.

Hindi Phrase: Nahin chahiye yeh – English Translation: I don’t want this

If anybody wants to sell you something, you can say to them “Nahin chahiye yeh”. This politely tells them that you don’t want anything.

Hindi Phrase: Chalo chalo – English Translation: Let’s go

When you are with your friend and you want to head out, you can say “Chalo chalo”. This basically means “Let’s go”.

Hindi Phrase: Kitna time aur? – English Translation: How much more time?

If you are waiting at a restaurant or waiting for someone, you can ask “Kitna time aur?”. It conveys the idea of asking how much additional time is needed or how much longer one has to wait.

Hindi Phrase: Koi baat nahi – English Translation: Never Mind

“Koi baat nahi” is commonly used in Hindi to reassure someone that there is no problem or that they need not apologize, and “Never Mind” serves a similar purpose in English. It conveys understanding and forgiveness, indicating that the speaker is not upset or bothered by the situation.

Hindi Phrase: Milte hain – English Translation: See you

You can say “Milte hain” when you are leaving or when you meet someone on the road. Instead of saying “bye”, say this, and it may surprise them.

Another tip is nodding your head. It means acknowledging. For instance, if you just want to say yes or no, you can simply nod your head up and down for yes and left to right for no. It’s totally fine