This is my first post related to any language.
I generally write on technical topics.
So let's start this.
As long as you know English, there will be few communication issues in India. Most Indians know some English, however some will not be able to converse as fluently as you would prefer including taxi drivers, waiters, porters and hotel staff. This is where some basic Hindi words, phrases and sentences can come handy.
Where exactly is Hindi spoken?
Hindi can be spoken in most parts of India, especially the urban areas. It is the main language of the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. Hindi is the national language of India and it is thought that 60% of India’s population speak Hindi. The other 40% can understand Hindi to some extent.
In most North and Central Indian states where Hindi is not the main language — such as West Bengal, Gujarat, Punjab, Orrisa, Maharashtra and states in the North East — you should be able to get away with speaking Hindi. People belonging to these states have no objections to Hindi and Hindi is even taught as a secondary language.
In some South Indian states such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka many people will respond if you speak Hindi with them. However, two South Indian states where Hindi is not spoken, and even discouraged, are Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Hindi can be quite challenging for the average English speaker. It is a phonetic language, so it’s spoken as it is written. Hindi uses a lot of English words so you can often replace Hindi words with English. For example, there are words for “doctor” in Hindi but in day to day communication english word is used and not the hindi word 'chikitsak'for it. Some other commonly used English words include railway, hospital, train, cycle, motor, bus, cricket, karma, thug, guru, jungle, bungalow and so on. [NOTE: some of these English words originated in India.] If you are stuck on a Hindi word, then replace it with its English equivalent.
Below are some common Hindi words, phrases and sentences widely used in India. Just pronounce the words the way they’re written.
Basic Hindi words, phrases and sentences
Hello – Namaste or Pranam
Hello Amit – Namaste Amit ji (ji at the end of the name is used to show respect)
Me – Mai
I am from USA – Mai USA se hum
Mine – Mera
This is mine – Ye mera hai
Yours – Aap ka
Is this yours – Kya ye aap ka hai
Who – Kaun
Who are you – Aap kaun hai
Clothes – Kapra
Where are my clothes – Mera kapra kaha hai
Tea – Chai
I need a cup of tea – Mujhe ek cup chai chahiye
Water – Paani
I need a bottle of water – Mujhe ek bottle paani chahiye
Food – Khana
Give me food – Mujhe khana do
Do you speak English – Kya apa English bolte hai
Speak slowly – Dheray boliye
Yes – Haa
No – Nahi
Please – Kripya
Thank you – Dhanevaad
More basic Hindi sentences
How are you – App kaise hai
I am fine – Mai thik hu
Nice to meet you – Aap se milkar khushi hui
Who are you – Aap kaun hai
What is your name – Aap ka kya naam hai
My name is Mariellen – Mera naam Mariellen hai
Where are you from – Aap kaha se hai
I am from Canada – Mai Canada se hu
Where is the station – Station kaha hai
Where is the bus stand – Bus stand kaha hai
Where is the toilet – Toilet kaha hai
Can you help me – Kya aap meri madaad karenge
What’s this – Ye kya hai
I want to buy this – Mujhe ye kharidna hai
How much is this – Ye kitnay ka hai
Lower the price – Daam kum kijiye
So now you guys are aware of some basic Hindi, which can be helpful when you travel to India.
